Follow Me to Wellness: Spring Wellness Season 7

Nourish Me, Follow Me: The Way of Spring Wellness, Season 7

After watching the first six seasons, you must be wondering why the most common spring ingredients haven't appeared yet. Don't worry, today I'll talk about the most common ingredients for spring, which are also very suitable for eating in this season.

As the saying goes, the color green corresponds to the liver. Today, let's first talk about these "two whites and one green." The "one green" means we should eat more green vegetables in spring. Spinach and bok choy are must-mentions. They can nourish and regulate the liver. Most importantly, they are easy to digest, which can reduce the burden on the liver. The "two whites" refer to the white part of scallions and lilies, which are loved by people from Shandong. Eating the white part of scallions can prevent colds, and its pungent nature can help clear the facial orifices. Eating more lilies and the white part of scallions has a great regulatory effect. Lilies have been described in previous seasons, so we won't go into too much detail about them this season. Additionally, two of my good sisters have specially contributed two delicious dishes for this seventh wellness series, and I hope you'll like them.

Red-Beak Green Parrot: Spinach Section

Food Recommendation #1: Tofu Skin Spinach Rolls >>>

Reasons for recommendation: Spinach can "invigorate blood circulation, open the chest and diaphragm, regulate qi in the middle jiao, quench thirst and moisten dryness." Ancient Arabs also called it the "king of vegetables." Paired with wood ear mushrooms, which are high in iron, and carrots, which are high in vitamin C, plus tofu skin, it is a top-grade product for beauty and skincare. Personally, I suggest that during the preparation process, the soaking step for the tofu skin should be done in water with a temperature of about 70-80°C for the best result. If you want to adjust the flavor, you can add a few star anise and an appropriate amount of chicken essence, which also tastes great.

Food Recommendation #2: Spinach in Supreme Broth >>>

Reasons for recommendation: Spinach leaves contain chromium and an insulin-like substance whose function is very similar to insulin, which can help stabilize blood sugar. Its rich content of B vitamins can prevent vitamin deficiency diseases such as angular stomatitis and night blindness. Century eggs are most suitable for those with "heat" and "fire" conditions, but people with a weak spleen and stomach should eat them as little as possible. The combination of these two not only looks beautiful, but the name itself sounds so elegant (covering mouth and laughing). It reminds me of a TV show that described a person using "supreme broth broccoli," which was my first time encountering the term "supreme broth."

Food Recommendation #3: Spinach Tower >>>

Reasons for recommendation: Besides the functions we just described, spinach also has anti-aging and cell proliferation-promoting effects. It can not only activate brain function but also enhance youthful vitality, helping to prevent brain aging and Alzheimer's disease. Another reason for recommending this dish is its beautiful presentation. Imagine making such a dish at home—doesn't it show both romance and elegance? Highly recommended.

Little Tip: Many people sometimes wonder if spinach can be stewed with tofu. Actually, according to general cooking methods, the oxalic acid in spinach will combine with calcium to form calcium oxalate, which is not easily absorbed by the body. Therefore, it is recommended to blanch the spinach in hot water beforehand. Oxalic acid has an unstable nature, so it can be easily decomposed this way. The method I use is to bring the water to a boil, add the spinach, and remove it after ten seconds once the water comes back to a boil, then plunge it into cold water. Don't blanch it for too long, or it will affect the texture. This way, the color of our spinach will be nice, and it can also shorten the cooking time. Personally, I suggest sprinkling some toasted sesame seeds after making spinach dishes, as it feels very refreshing (just my personal feeling when I cook it).

White Jade, Green Mountains: Bok Choy Section

Introduction: Bok choy has a dark green color and stalks similar to cabbage. It is a plant of the Brassicaceae family. The content of its signature nutrients and its medicinal and food value can be considered among the best of all vegetables.

Food Recommendation #1: Braised Bok Choy with Mushrooms >>>

Reasons for recommendation: This is probably the most familiar and common way to cook bok choy. Bok choy contains multiple nutrients; its vitamin C content is more than twice that of napa cabbage. It is a low-fat vegetable and contains dietary fiber, which can combine with bile salts and cholesterol and triglycerides in food, then excrete them from the body, reducing lipid absorption. Mushrooms are rich in B vitamins, iron, potassium, and provitamin D (which is converted to vitamin D after sun exposure). They are sweet in taste and neutral in nature. They are mainly indicated for poor appetite and fatigue. Therefore, eating more in spring can enhance appetite.

Food Recommendation #2: Braised Bok Choy with Scallops >>>

Reasons for recommendation: Bok choy is rich in calcium, iron, and vitamin C, and also rich in carotene. It is an important nutrient source for maintaining the growth of human mucous membranes and epithelial tissues, and is greatly beneficial for preventing excessive keratinization of the skin. Scallops, as the ancients said: "Three days after eating them, chicken and shrimp still seem bland." This shows how exceptionally delicious scallops are. They are made by drying the skirt of the scallop. Scallops have the functions of nourishing yin and strengthening the kidneys, harmonizing the stomach and regulating the middle jiao. It is a dish for beauty and skincare. For those who love beauty, hurry up and try this dish; it will surely not disappoint you.

Food Recommendation #3: Oyster Sauce and Straw Mushroom Stir-fried with Gluten >>>

Reasons for recommendation: Although bok choy is a side dish in this dish, it's good to change the flavor and regulate your stomach. Bok choy contains substances that can promote the synthesis of rhodopsin in the eyes, which has the effect of improving eyesight. Therefore, it is very practical for people who can't open their eyes in the morning during spring. Straw mushrooms are high in vitamin C. If lead, arsenic, or benzene enter the human body, straw mushrooms can combine with them to form ascorbic acid, which is then excreted in urine. Children can also eat more of it, as its mineral content is also very high. It is also very beneficial for people with diabetes.

Little Tip: You don't see bok choy cooked in many ways usually; it mostly appears as a side dish. Its flavor is light and easy to digest. I remember seeing many ancient TV dramas where a common scene was a family sitting around a table eating green vegetables and rice, showing the hardship of life. But nowadays, when people mention "farm banquets" or "vegetable banquets," they have become treasures. With better living conditions now and having eaten too much rich food, it's time to eat some green vegetables to regulate your system and let your liver take a break, appropriately reducing the burden on the five zang and six fu organs. This is also part of physical conditioning.

Perfectly Round and Jade-Like: Pea Section

Introduction: Peas, also known as snow peas, can be stir-fried as a vegetable, and after the pods mature, they can also be ground into pea flour for consumption. Because pea pods are round, fresh, and green, they are very beautiful and are often used as a side dish to add color to dishes and stimulate appetite.

Food Recommendation #1: Garlic-Scented Snap Peas >>>

Reasons for recommendation: Snap peas are pea pods and also a type of pea (my personal understanding; if you have a different view, you are welcome to correct me). They are rich in vitamin C and an enzyme that can decompose nitrosamines in the body, thus having anti-cancer effects. Therefore, they are especially suitable for eating in spring. Correspondingly, if you like meat, you can also stir-fry them with meat. I personally prefer the garlic flavor and will add a little bit when cooking green leafy vegetables.

Food Recommendation #2: Snap Peas with Chinese Yam >>>

Reasons for recommendation: Snap peas are rich in fiber, which can prevent constipation and cleanse the intestines. We talked about Chinese yam in previous seasons; it strengthens the spleen and stomach, aids digestion, and stops diarrhea. Its potassium content is also extremely high. This dish also contains green peppers, making the whole plate of dishes look more life-like and give people a special enjoyment. It looks simple but is actually more substantial. It is a very good dish for home life.

Food Recommendation #3: Snap Peas Stir-fried with Shrimp >>>

Reasons for recommendation: Peas are rich in various nutrients needed by the human body, especially high-quality protein, which can improve the body's disease resistance and recovery ability. Shrimp is also rich in protein, with a soft texture that is easy to digest. Spring diet emphasizes supplementing with vitamins, protein, and inorganic salts, as well as eating foods that are easy to digest. Therefore, this dish is also very suitable for people to eat in spring.

Little Tip: The effects of snap peas are similar to those of regular peas. Just as I was recommending the last dish, I suddenly thought of how to prepare shrimp: Make a cut on the back of the shrimp to remove the vein, but don't cut all the way through. Then blanch it in hot water, and it will blossom into a flower shape. This makes the dish look very full. Sometimes we can do the same when frying shrimp, and you'll feel a great sense of accomplishment after making it. You can also add some peas or shrimp to your usual stir-fries or egg-fried rice; it not only tastes good but also adds a lot of color to the meal.

Special Contribution:

Regarding the topic of spring wellness, we have mentioned many tips and tricks in the previous seasons. Later on, we will do more special features on topics like spring pollen allergies or spring drowsiness. For this season, I personally want to recommend a few good works.

The bok choy, bok choy, and snap peas we recommend this season are actually the most common and have the most cooking methods, especially spinach. Because its dietary fiber is not as rich as bok choy's, it is also easier to prepare. I remember when I worked in a restaurant, I made a spinach box. Blanch the spinach, sauté a little dried shrimp or roe in oil, then mix the spinach with the shrimp/roe for simple seasoning, and finally place a large shrimp inside the spinach mixture. Wrap it with wafer paper and deep-fry it directly. Note that the shrimp should also be blanched in hot water, and after blanching the spinach, squeeze out as much water as possible, otherwise the wafer paper will get wet and be difficult to handle. If you have time, you can give it a try.

Special Food Recommendation #1: Beijing-Style Spinach >>>

Reasons for recommendation: Many of you may have eaten Beijing-style shredded pork. This dish is an extension of that. We enjoy cooking more when we are creative. This dish has a great texture and a beautiful color when paired. You can also add some shredded scallions to go with it. The egg wrapper needs to be made in advance. Use a small fire, oil the bottom of the wok, then pour in an appropriate amount of well-beaten egg liquid and slowly rotate the wok. When one side is almost done, flip it to the other side (this needs to be done by hand). You'll get the hang of it after a few tries.

Special Food Recommendation #2: Spinach Rolls >>>

Reasons for recommendation: Doesn't it look like the old Beijing snack "mustard cabbage" at first glance? As a creative dish, it is especially suitable for appearing in more high-end restaurants. In fact, the method is not difficult. To cook a dish well, you need to be meticulous and serious; you can't be too hasty. Enjoy the happiness that cooking brings us, and you will find that happiness is simple. As the old saying goes, good food is worth waiting for. Alright, that's all for these two dishes.

That's a wrap for the seventh season of the "Nourish Me, Follow Me" series. After introducing so many spring wellness ingredients, have they added more color to your kitchen? If you have any good suggestions, you can also email us at meishichina_2011@163.com. We look forward to more communication with you. The spring wellness series has a total of eight seasons, and we have one more season left to write. We will also discuss many seasonal issues and hope to be of some help to everyone. If you have any topics you are concerned about or that are interesting, you can tell us, and we will do our best to answer them for you.

More exciting content and more delicious food are all on Meishi China. We hope to gain everyone's recognition and ask for a little more attention from you. We look forward to meeting you in the next issue. See you there!

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