As the saying goes, "autumn is high and ducks are fat," making this the perfect season to enjoy duck. Why is duck meat good for autumn? And what are some great duck recipes? Let's find out.
Eating Duck in Autumn Helps Relieve Autumn Dryness
Ducks are rich in nutrition. Not only do they enjoy the reputation of "the finest delicacy in the capital is none other than duck" and "a banquet is not a banquet without duck," but they are also praised in traditional Chinese medicine for "nourishing the yin of the five organs, clearing the heat of deficiency and fatigue, replenishing blood and promoting urination, and nourishing the stomach and promoting body fluids..." Especially when new ducks are raised to autumn, their meat is plump, tender, and delicious, rich in nutrients, and can promptly supplement the body's essential proteins, vitamins, and minerals. At the same time, duck meat is cold in nature, making it particularly suitable for people with a "hot" constitution or "internal heat." Therefore, duck is the first choice for dietary therapy in autumn.
Eating duck can relieve autumn dryness. Although ducks and chickens are both poultry, their effects are vastly different. Chicken is especially suitable for winter nourishment, and there is a common saying, "A chicken every nine days leads to a healthy body next year." Duck, however, is a waterfowl. In his book "Yinshan Zhengyao," the imperial physician of the Yuan Dynasty, Husihui, said that duck meat is sweet, cold, and non-toxic. It tonifies internal deficiency, eliminates toxic heat, and promotes urination. It can be used for symptoms such as headache, yin deficiency and insomnia, lung heat and cough, nephritis edema, urinary difficulty, and low-grade fever. Regular consumption of duck meat is most beneficial for those with a weak constitution, yin deficiency, edema, poor appetite, dry stools, and low-grade fever.
The Fat in Duck is the Healthiest. Duck meat is rich in B vitamins and vitamin E, and its fatty acids are mainly unsaturated fatty acids and low-carbon saturated fatty acids, making it easy to digest. Furthermore, the fat in duck meat is different from other animal fats; the proportion of its various fatty acids is close to the ideal value, and its chemical composition is similar to olive oil, which has the effect of lowering cholesterol and is particularly suitable for people with atherosclerosis.
Four Must-Try Duck Dishes for Autumn
Duck and Winter Melon Soup. Duck meat contains about 16% protein and is rich in elements such as B vitamins, vitamin E, and minerals. When your appetite is poor, a bowl of duck and winter melon soup can both replenish fluids and provide high-quality protein. Duck meat is delicious, but people with a weak constitution or a cold should eat it in moderation.
Red and White Blood Tofu. Duck blood is tender, smooth, and fragrant, rich in magnesium and iron. Made with tofu into a "Red and White Blood Tofu," it becomes a delicious home-cooked dish. Pair it with one or two seasonal vegetables for a more balanced nutritional profile. However, duck blood is relatively high in sodium, so it is recommended to eat it occasionally and not for long periods to avoid increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Duck Liver Stir-fried with Chilies. Duck liver is an ideal food for replenishing blood and vitamin A. It also contains vitamin D, vitamin B2, and vitamin B12. Pairing duck with chilies not only provides protein and iron but also vitamin C. It should be noted that duck liver has a high cholesterol content, so it is advisable to eat about 50 grams at a time.
Braised Duck Wings. Duck wings have more bone than meat and are low in calories. Although their nutritional value is not as high as duck liver or duck blood, their low-fat and delicious texture makes braised duck wings a good choice. However, excessive oil, salt, sauce, and chili can easily burden the digestive system, so it is best to avoid over-processing when cooking.
Three Groups of People Who Should Drink Duck Soup for Nourishment
From the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the medicinal nature of duck is cool, making it suitable for autumn nourishment during the dry season. From a nutritional perspective, duck has a diverse range of nutrients, which aligns with the characteristics of autumn nourishment. Therefore, drinking duck soup for nourishment is quite suitable in autumn.
The main groups of people who are suitable for drinking duck soup for nourishment are: the elderly and children who are prone to respiratory diseases such as coughs and colds, as well as middle-aged and young people who are often overworked; people with a "yin deficiency and excess fire" constitution, such as those who are thin, or suffer from high blood pressure, diabetes, or tuberculosis; women whose skin becomes particularly dry in autumn can also nourish themselves by drinking duck soup. At the same time, it should be reminded that some people are not suitable for drinking duck soup for nourishment, such as those with a "yang deficiency" who are sensitive to cold, and those suffering from chronic enteritis.
Herbs or Foods Can Be Added to Duck Soup
When using duck soup for nourishment, it is best to do so according to your own physical condition, and to combine it with herbs or foods. For those with a weaker constitution who are prone to respiratory diseases like coughs and colds, you can add foods (yams, lotus seeds) or herbs (Astragalus or American ginseng) when making the duck soup, generally in an amount of 30 to 60 grams.
Duck Should Not Be Eaten When You Have a Cold
Don't eat duck when you have a cold. Although duck meat is good, there are rules to eating it. First, people with a cold should not eat duck meat, as it may worsen the condition. When you have a cold, chicken soup is more appropriate. Secondly, people with chronic enteritis should eat it in moderation, as the sweet and salty taste of duck meat may aggravate the condition of enteritis. People with symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, back pain, and menstrual pain should also avoid eating duck meat.
Autumn is the perfect time to eat duck, so be sure to nourish yourself well.