Desserts
Chinese Yam and Lotus Root Starch Paste
Chinese Yam and Lotus Root Starch Paste is a traditional Chinese wellness paste, made with Chinese yam and lotus root starch as the main ingredients, prepared by mixing with boiling water or simmering. Chinese yam is neutral in nature, sweet in taste, and channels to the Spleen, Lung, and Kidney meridians. It is known for strengthening the spleen and nourishing the stomach, promoting salivation and moistening the lungs, and consolidating kidney essence. Lotus root starch is neutral in nature, sweet and salty in taste, and channels to the Spleen and Stomach meridians. It is known for clearing heat, cooling blood, relieving constipation and stopping diarrhea, strengthening the spleen, and nourishing blood. Together, Chinese yam strengthens the spleen and benefits qi, while lotus root starch clears heat and nourishes blood, achieving the combined effects of strengthening the spleen, nourishing the stomach, benefiting qi, and nourishing blood. The paste is translucent, smooth, and delicate, with a subtle sweet aftertaste. This paste is especially suitable for daily nourishment of those with spleen-stomach weakness, poor digestion, loss of appetite, and post-illness weakness.
Main Ingredients
- Chinese yam (fresh) 150g
- Pure lotus root starch 30g
- Rock sugar (or honey) To taste
- Water 800ml
- Dried osmanthus (for aroma) A pinch
- Goji berries A few pieces
Steps
Steam and mash the yam into a smooth puree (same as Method 1 steps 1-3).
Place the lotus root starch in a bowl, add a small amount of cold water and stir until dissolved. Add the yam puree and mix well.
Bring water to a rolling boil. Directly pour the boiling water into the mixed yam-starch slurry. While pouring, stir vigorously and continuously until the paste becomes translucent, thick, and smooth.
Add rock sugar or honey to taste, garnish with osmanthus and goji berries, and serve. If using honey, wait until the paste cools below 60°C / 140°F.
TCM Notes
Modern Nutrition Research: Spleen and stomach health: Mucilage protein in yam protects the gastric mucosa; lotus root starch is rich in easily digestible starch. Together, they improve poor digestion and loss of appetite caused by spleen-stomach weakness. Qi and blood nourishment: Yam strengthens the spleen and benefits qi; lotus root starch nourishes blood and regenerates tissue. Together, they are excellent for qi-blood deficiency and post-illness weakness. Yin nourishment and moisture: Yam promotes salivation and moistens the lungs; lotus root starch clears heat and cools blood. Together, they help relieve yin deficiency with dry mouth and throat. Bidirectional bowel regulation: Lotus root starch has a bidirectional regulatory effect on the bowels — it can both relieve constipation and stop diarrhea. Combined with the astringent properties of yam, it is effective for those with alternating diarrhea and constipation.
Suitable for：Those with spleen-stomach weakness, poor digestion, and loss of appetite Those recovering from illness or post-surgery Those with qi-blood deficiency and sallow complexion Those with yin deficiency, dryness, and dry mouth Middle-aged and older adults (daily spleen-stomach nourishment and anti-aging) Children (appetite stimulation and growth support) Generally suitable for most people as a daily wellness paste in moderation
Not suitable for：Those with spleen-stomach weakness, poor digestion, and loss of appetite Those recovering from illness or post-surgery Those with qi-blood deficiency and sallow complexion Those with yin deficiency, dryness, and dry mouth Middle-aged and older adults (daily spleen-stomach nourishment and anti-aging) Children (appetite stimulation and growth support) Generally suitable for most people as a daily wellness paste in moderation
