Embrace the Winter's Strength Why Chicken Soup is a Traditional Chinese Remedy for the Season of Transition
As the autumn leaves begin to fall and the world transitions into the quiet, reflective season of winter, there's an age-old Chinese tradition that suggests embracing the cold with a hearty bowl of chicken soup. Known as Lidong Yishi Ji Jinfu in Chinese, which translates to Eat Chicken for Supplementation During the Start of Winter, this practice is deeply rooted in the belief that nourishing the body with chicken can fortify it against the impending cold.
The concept of seasonal eating, or Yin Shang Sheng Shu, is a cornerstone of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), which posits that different foods can balance the body's energy, or Qi, throughout the year. According to TCM, winter is a time when the body's Qi tends to be more inward and yin, requiring foods that are warm, nourishing, and rich in nutrients to maintain health and vitality.
Chicken, with its moist and warm properties, is considered an ideal food for the season. It is believed to help build and maintain the body's Qi, aid in digestion, and boost the immune system. Here are a few reasons why chicken soup is such a popular choice during the Lidong period:
1. Nutritional Value: Chicken is packed with protein, which is essential for tissue repair and growth. It also contains B vitamins, which are vital for energy production and a healthy nervous system. The soup itself, often made with vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions, adds a variety of vitamins and minerals to the mix.
2. Immune System Support: During the winter months, colds and flu are more prevalent. The immune-boosting properties of chicken soup, along with the addition of garlic and ginger, which have natural antimicrobial properties, can help ward off illness.
3. Warming Effect: The warmth of the soup can be soothing for those who suffer from cold hands and feet during the winter. It can also help to improve circulation, which is important for overall health and warmth.
4. Digestive Health: Chicken is easy to digest, making it an ideal food for those who may have a weakened digestive system during the colder months. The broth itself can also help to soothe the stomach and improve digestive function.
To prepare a traditional Lidong chicken soup, one would typically start by boiling the chicken in water until the meat is tender. The water is then strained, and the clear broth is used as the base for the soup. Various herbs and spices, such as astragalus (huang qi) and goji berries, are often added to enhance the soup's health benefits.
Here's a simple recipe for Lidong chicken soup:
Ingredients:
- 1 whole free-range chicken
- 8 cups of water
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 stalks of celery, sliced
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of fresh ginger, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Herbs and spices (optional: astragalus, goji berries, etc.)
Instructions:
1. Place the chicken in a large pot and cover with water.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the chicken is cooked through.
3. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside to cool. Once cool, remove the meat from the bones and set aside.
4. Strain the broth and return it to the pot.
5. Add the carrots, celery, onion, garlic, and ginger to the broth.
6. Simmer for about 20 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
7. Add the chicken meat back into the soup, season with salt and pepper, and let it cook for another 10 minutes.
8. Serve hot and enjoy the warmth and nourishment of Lidong chicken soup.
In conclusion, Lidong Yishi Ji Jinfu is more than just a culinary tradition; it's a practice that aligns with the principles of TCM and aims to keep the body balanced and healthy during the transition into winter. So, the next time you feel the chill of winter setting in, consider sipping on a steaming bowl of chicken soup to embrace the season with strength and vitality.
