Vegetable yakuzen– category –

Chestnut comes into season in autumn. Sweet and warm in nature, it is said to support the Spleen and Kidney. It works in chestnut rice, soups, Japanese sweets and Western baking alike, rich in nourishment and full of the season.

Japanese yam is neutral in nature and said to support the stomach and intestines, easing the sense of tiring easily and of heaviness after meals. It is a nourishing ingredient that works grated over rice, stir-fried or in a hotpot.

Daikon radish comes into season in winter. Cool in nature, it is said to settle the flow of qi and ease coughs, phlegm and a heavy stomach. It is an all-purpose ingredient for simmered dishes or grated fresh.

Mugwort comes into season in spring. Warm in nature, this wild herb is said to warm the body and settle the circulation of blood. It is a traditional Japanese ingredient enjoyed in tempura, as a boiled salad, in mugwort mochi and as tea.

Black wood ear is said to settle the circulation of blood, moisten the Lung to ease a cough, and settle the intestines. Its distinctive crunch works in stir-fries, soups and a wide range of dishes.

Eggplant comes into season from summer into autumn. Cool in nature, it is said to clear excess heat and settle the flow of blood. Grilled, simmered or cooked any number of ways, it brings colour to the table in the hot months.

The mandarin is the fruit of winter. It is said to warm the body while settling the stomach, intestines and Lung. Sweet-sour and full of vitamin C, it supports your health through its season.

Dandelion is a yakuzen ingredient that earns its place in early spring. By clearing heat and releasing toxins it eases fever, red eyes and a blocked nose. The leaves go into salads and dressed dishes, the root into tea and soup.

The basics of yin-yang theory seen through yakuzen. Choose ingredients that suit your constitution and the season, and keep your health in balance.

Five-phase theory and the five zang organs, explained from a Chinese medicine angle. Use yakuzen to pick ingredients for your constitution and the season, and keep body and mind in balance.