The Ultimate Guide to Guangdong's Spring Moisture-Relieving Soup A Traditional Chinese Recipe

As the spring season arrives, the mild and humid climate of Guangdong province in southern China can leave many feeling damp and uncomfortable. To combat this, traditional Chinese medicine suggests drinking a moisture-relieving soup to help expel excess dampness from the body. Here, we present a comprehensive guide to making the perfect Guangdong spring moisture-relieving soup, with a variety of recipes to suit your taste and needs.

1. Ingredients:

- 1 chicken (about 1 kg)

- 50g of dried tangerine peel

- 10g of dried ginger

- 10g of white fungus (white ear)

- 10g of red dates

- 5g of goji berries

- 5g of astragalus root

- 10g of chuanxiong

- 10g of white peony root

- 10g of safflower

- 10g of licorice root

- 10g of lily bulb

2. Preparation:

1. Clean the chicken thoroughly and place it in a pot. Fill the pot with water, and bring it to a boil. Skim off the foam that rises to the surface, then remove the chicken and set it aside.

2. Rinse the dried tangerine peel, dried ginger, white fungus, red dates, goji berries, astragalus root, chuanxiong, white peony root, safflower, licorice root, and lily bulb under running water to remove any dirt or impurities.

3. Place the cleaned chicken back into the pot, and add the other ingredients. Fill the pot with fresh water, ensuring that the ingredients are completely submerged.

4. Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 2 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

3. Serving:

1. After the soup has simmered for 2 hours, taste it to check for the desired flavor. Adjust the seasoning with salt, if necessary.

2. Serve the soup hot, either on its own or with some steamed white rice. Enjoy the nourishing and moisture-relieving benefits of this traditional Guangdong soup.

4. Variations:

1. To add more sweetness, you can include 10g of rock sugar or a few slices of lotus root.

2. If you prefer a more robust flavor, you can add 5g of dried tangerine peel and 5g of dried ginger.

3. For those who are sensitive to certain ingredients, you can omit the astragalus root, white peony root, safflower, and licorice root.

5. Health Benefits:

The Guangdong spring moisture-relieving soup is believed to have numerous health benefits, including:

- Improving digestion and appetite

- Boosting the immune system

- Reducing fatigue and improving energy levels

- Detoxifying the body and promoting healthy skin

- Relieving joint pain and muscle aches

By incorporating this traditional Chinese soup into your diet, you can help maintain your health and well-being during the damp spring season.

In conclusion, the Guangdong spring moisture-relieving soup is a delightful and nourishing way to combat the humidity and dampness of spring. With this ultimate guide, you can easily prepare and enjoy this traditional Chinese recipe, reaping its health benefits and enjoying the comforting flavors.