Shinese cooking

 

Shinese cuisine, rooted in ancient Chinese culinary traditions, often incorporates medicinal herbs for both flavor and health benefits. This practice, known as "食疗" (shí liáo) or food therapy, emphasizes the harmony between food and medicine, reflecting the belief that what we eat directly impacts our health.

  Key Medicinal Herbs Used in Shinese Cooking

1. Ginger (姜, Jiāng):

   - Properties: Warm, pungent.

   -  Benefits : Improves digestion, alleviates nausea, and enhances circulation.

   -  Common Uses : Fresh ginger is often used in soups, stir-fries, and marinades.

2.  Goji Berries (枸杞, Gǒu qǐ) :

   -  Properties : Sweet, neutral.

   -  Benefits : Supports eye health, boosts immunity, and nourishes the liver.

   -  Common Uses : Added to teas, soups, and desserts.

3.  Ginseng (人参, Rén shēn) :

   -  Properties : Sweet, slightly bitter, warm.

   - Benefits : Enhances energy, supports mental clarity, and strengthens the immune system.

   -  Common Uses : Steeped in teas, used in broths, or cooked with meats.

4.  Red Dates (红枣, Hóng zǎo) :

   -  Properties : Sweet, warm.

   -  Benefits : Nourishes the blood, calms the mind, and strengthens the spleen.

   -  Common Uses : Added to soups, congees, and desserts.

5.  Astragalus (黄芪, Huáng qí) :

   -  Properties : Sweet, slightly warm.

   -  Benefits : Boosts energy, strengthens the immune system, and promotes longevity.

   -  Common Uses : Often simmered in soups and broths.

6.  Dong Quai (当归, Dāng guī) :

   -  Properties : Sweet, bitter, warm.

   -  Benefits : Nourishes blood, regulates menstruation, and reduces pain.

   -  Common Uses : Used in soups, especially for women's health.

7.  Licorice Root (甘草, Gān cǎo) :

   -  Properties : Sweet, neutral.

   -  Benefits : Detoxifies, harmonizes other herbs, and soothes the throat.

   -  Common Uses : Frequently used in herbal teas and broths.

  Common Shinese Dishes with Medicinal Herbs

1.  Herbal Chicken Soup : A nourishing soup made with chicken, goji berries, ginseng, and red dates. It's often consumed to strengthen the body, especially during recovery from illness.

2. Eight Treasure Congee : A traditional congee made with a variety of grains, nuts, and medicinal herbs like lotus seeds, goji berries, and red dates. It is believed to support overall health and longevity.

3. Ginger Fish : A simple dish where fish is steamed or stir-fried with fresh ginger, known to improve digestion and warming the body.

4. Dong Quai Stew : A hearty stew with beef, dong quai, and other herbs, typically used to support women's health.

 Principles of Medicinal Cooking

- Balance: Shinese cooking with medicinal herbs follows the principles of yin and yang, ensuring that dishes are balanced in terms of warming and cooling properties.

- Seasonality: Herbs and ingredients are chosen according to the season, with warming herbs used in winter and cooling herbs in summer.

- Individualization : Dishes are often tailored to an individual's health needs, making the practice highly personalized.

Shinese medicinal cooking is a deeply holistic approach to food, where every ingredient is chosen for both its flavor and its potential health benefits.