Traditional Chinese medicine advocates nourishing the liver in spring, the heart in summer, the lungs in autumn, and the kidneys in winter. As seasons transition, overly potent tonic foods should be avoided—chestnuts are ideal for this period.
Sweet and delicious chestnuts have long been prized as a premium nut, standing out among dried fruits.Though classified as a nut, chestnuts differ from walnuts, hazelnuts, or almonds in that they are not rich in oils but contain high levels of starch. They also possess notable medicinal value. Chestnuts, with their warm nature and sweet taste, are known to tonify the middle energizer, boost qi, nourish the kidneys, and strengthen the spleen. This has earned them the esteemed title of "fruit of the kidneys."
In Guangdong, chestnuts are called "wind-dried chestnuts." When hung in a well-ventilated area during the dry period from late autumn to early winter, they become exceptionally tender and sweet.In other provinces, chestnuts are called "board chestnuts" and are known as the "king of dried fruits." Rich in unsaturated fatty acids, various vitamins, and minerals, chestnuts effectively prevent and treat cardiovascular diseases like hypertension, coronary heart disease, and arteriosclerosis, benefiting overall health.Press your thumb horizontally at the center of the chestnut's concave spot to create a small opening. Then, apply pressure with both hands on either side of the opening to crack the shell slightly. Once the shell is removed, it's time to tackle the inner tough skin. Place the shelled chestnuts in a bowl, pour boiling water and salt over them, cover, and let sit for 5 minutes. After opening the lid, the skin will peel off easily.
Recommended Foods for Kidney Health——
Chinese Yam——Neutral in nature, sweet in taste, classified as a "superior" herb in traditional Chinese medicine. Beyond nourishing the lungs and strengthening the spleen, it also benefits the kidneys and replenishes essence. Those with kidney deficiency should consume it regularly.
Dried Scallops——Also known as Jiangyaozhu. Neutral in nature, sweet and salty in taste. They nourish the kidneys and replenish yin, making them ideal for those with kidney yin deficiency.
Sea Bass (Perca japonica) — Also known as flower bass or sea perch. Neutral in nature, sweet in taste. It nourishes the spleen and stomach while also tonifying the liver and kidneys, strengthening tendons and bones.
Chestnuts — Warm in nature, sweet in taste. Beyond fortifying the spleen and stomach, they also nourish the kidneys and strengthen the waist. Most suitable for those with kidney deficiency and lower back pain.
Goji berries — Neutral in nature and sweet in taste, they nourish the kidneys and liver, enrich essence and improve vision, strengthen tendons and bones, alleviate back pain, and promote longevity with prolonged use. They are especially beneficial for middle-aged women with kidney deficiency.
Polygonum multiflorum — Known for nourishing the liver and kidneys while enriching essence and blood, it has been used throughout medical history for those with kidney deficiency. It is suitable for individuals experiencing premature graying, weakness in the lower back and knees, aching bones and tendons, male seminal emission, or female leukorrhea.
Foods to Avoid or Limit: Water chestnuts, persimmons, raw radishes, raw cucumbers, raw melons, raw sweet potatoes, watermelon, cantaloupe, onions, chili peppers, mustard greens, cloves, fennel, pepper, mint, spinach, chrysanthemum flowers, salt, soy sauce, white wine, and cigarettes.
Recommended Soup Recipe——
Stewed Dried Cabbage with Southern and Northern Apricot Kernels and Chestnuts
Benefits: Moistens lungs, generates fluids, nourishes kidneys, and strengthens spleen
Ingredients: 75g dried Chinese cabbage, 20g southern apricot kernels, 10g northern apricot kernels, 100g chestnuts,3 slices ginger (optional: add a small amount of dried scallops for enhanced umami)
Method: Cut dried Chinese cabbage into sections, soak and rinse. Wash chestnuts. Place all ingredients with ginger into a stewing pot. Add a small amount of oil and 1250ml cold boiled water (approximately 5 bowls). Cover and steam-stew over water for about 2.5 hours. Add salt just before serving.
Serves: 3-4 people
Chestnut and Southern Apricot Stew with Young Hen
Benefits: Nourishes kidneys, strengthens spleen, moistens lungs
Ingredients: 100g chestnut meat, 20g southern apricot kernels, 40-50g dried shiitake mushrooms, 1 young hen (approx. 500g), 50g lean pork,3 slices ginger
Method: Rinse chestnut meat. Prepare apricot kernels and shiitake mushrooms; soak briefly then rinse. Clean young hen thoroughly, removing giblets and trimmings. Cut lean pork into chunks. Place all ingredients in an earthenware pot with 3000ml water (about 12 bowls). Bring to a boil over high heat, then simmer gently for 2 hours. Season with salt before serving.