Vegetable yakuzen– category –

Pine nut is held to nourish the yin fluids and moisten the Lung. It is useful in dry seasons in particular, for keeping moisture in the throat and the skin.

White wood ear is held to nourish the yin fluids and moisten the Lung and Stomach. In dry seasons in particular it helps keep moisture in the throat and the skin. By producing fluids, it can also be looked to for easing constipation and a dry throat.

Lychee is a sweet-sour, juicy fruit that replenishes energy and helps produce blood. It also produces fluids, which eases a dry throat and can be looked to for guarding against dryness.

Grapes are a fruit where sweet and sour sit in harmony, held to replenish qi and blood and strengthen the muscles and bones. They also encourage the passing of water, which can be looked to for easing swelling and a sense of heat in the body.

Spinach is a nourishing vegetable that comes into season from autumn into winter. In yakuzen terms it is held to replenish blood and cool heat in the body, and can be looked to for easing anaemia, constipation and irritability.

Peanut is a nourishing ingredient that comes into season in autumn, known for its sweet, roasted flavour. In yakuzen terms it is held to replenish blood and moisten the Lung and Stomach, which is said to be good for anaemia, constipation and coughs.

Peach is the fruit of summer, known for its juicy sweetness and soft flesh. In yakuzen terms it replenishes qi and produces fluids, which is held to ease dryness and tiredness. Eaten as it is, or made into a smoothie or a dessert, it can be enjoyed in many ways. An ingredient that eases a body worn down by the summer heat while supporting your health, deliciously.

Jujube is a sweet, warm fruit, and in yakuzen terms it can be looked to for replenishing the Spleen and Stomach and nourishing the blood. It is held to help with poor sleep and a poor complexion, which makes it exactly right for autumn. Bringing it into everyday meals as jujube tea, in soups or simmered supports healthy living.

Shiitake is used to make dashi, the foundation of Japanese cooking, and is an ingredient rich cooking cannot do without. In yakuzen terms it is held to help the stomach work and build resilience. It is easy to bring in, in simmered dishes, soups and hotpots, and works in any season. Do bring it to your everyday table.

Haricot bean is a nourishing pulse, held to be useful in particular for tiredness, poor digestion and swelling. In yakuzen terms it can be looked to for replenishing the Spleen and Kidney and rebuilding your strength.