Congees
Ginger and Jujube Porridge
Ginger and Jujube Porridge is a classic traditional Chinese medicinal congee, originating from ancient Chinese食疗 formulas. Made with ginger and jujubes (red dates) as the main ingredients, cooked with japonica rice or glutinous rice. Ginger is warm in nature, pungent in taste, and channels to the Lung, Spleen, and Stomach meridians. It is known for warming the middle, dispelling cold, relieving exterior syndromes, resolving phlegm, and harmonizing the stomach. Jujubes are sweet in taste, warm in nature, and channel to the Spleen and Stomach meridians. They are known for tonifying the middle and supplementing Qi, and nourishing blood and calming the spirit, often referred to as the "fruit of the Spleen". Japonica rice is sweet and neutral, strengthening the spleen and benefiting Qi. Together, ginger dispels cold and warms the stomach, jujubes tonify Qi and nourish blood, and rice nourishes stomach Qi, achieving the combined effects of warming the stomach, dispelling cold, tonifying the middle, supplementing Qi, nourishing blood, calming the spirit, and warming the lungs to resolve phlegm. The porridge is thick and smooth, with the aroma of ginger and jujubes blending perfectly. This porridge is especially suitable for daily nourishment of those with spleen-stomach deficiency-cold, early-stage wind-cold colds, cold constitution with cold intolerance, and Qi-blood deficiency.
Main Ingredients
- Ginger (fresh or dried) 6-15g (fresh: about 5-10 slices; dried: 6-9g)
- Jujubes (red dates) 2-9 pieces
- Japonica rice (or glutinous rice) 150g
- Brown sugar (or rock sugar/white sugar) To taste
- Salt A pinch
- Water 约1000ml
Steps
Ginger: Wash, keep the skin on, and slice thinly or julienne. Jujubes: Wash, remove the pits, and cut in half or into quarters. Japonica rice: Rinse and soak in cold water for 30 minutes.
Add approximately 1000ml of cold water to a pot and add the soaked rice. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low heat and simmer.
When the porridge is about 70-80% cooked (about 20 minutes), add the prepared ginger slices (or shreds) and jujube pieces.
When the porridge is about 70-80% cooked (about 20 minutes), add the prepared ginger slices (or shreds) and jujube pieces.
TCM Notes
Modern Nutrition Research: Warming the stomach and dispelling cold: Gingerol in ginger promotes gastric mucosal repair and improves digestion; jujube polysaccharides regulate gastrointestinal function. Together, they effectively improve spleen-stomach deficiency-cold symptoms such as cold stomach pain and poor appetite. Blood nourishment and Qi tonification: Jujubes are rich in iron and vitamin C, synergistically enhancing hematopoiesis; volatile compounds in ginger accelerate peripheral blood circulation. The combination achieves a balanced state of dispelling cold without harming the healthy Qi, and tonifying without causing dryness. Cerebral ischemia prevention: Gingerol in ginger has anti-platelet aggregation effects; cAMP and flavonoids in jujubes can repair brain tissue damage caused by cerebral ischemia. Consuming once daily for 2 weeks may help prevent cerebral ischemia. Cold symptom relief: Ginger is pungent and warm, dispersing the exterior. Consuming in the early stages of a cold helps relieve nasal congestion, runny nose, and low-grade fever. Improving cold constitution: Helps improve cold hands and feet in women during winter and chilblains.
Suitable for：Those with spleen-stomach deficiency-cold (cold stomach pain, poor appetite, loose stools) Those in the early stages of wind-cold colds (nasal congestion, runny nose, mild fever, chills) Those with cold constitution and cold hands and feet (especially women in winter) Those with Qi-blood deficiency and sallow complexion Those in remission from chronic bronchitis and other respiratory conditions Those who "cannot tolerate strong tonics" — can be gently nourished with this porridge Generally suitable for most people as a winter wellness breakfast
Not suitable for：Those with yin deficiency and fire excess (emaciation, flushed cheeks, dry mouth and thirst that cannot be quenched): Ginger is warm and dispersing, which may worsen yin deficiency symptoms Pregnant women (especially in the third trimester): Ginger is pungent and warm, and should be used with caution Those with hemorrhoids: Ginger is pungent and warm, which may exacerbate bleeding symptoms Those taking anticoagulant medications: Ginger has anti-platelet aggregation effects; daily ginger intake should not exceed 6-9g Those with excess stomach heat (bad breath, swollen gums, heartburn): Not recommended Those allergic to ginger or jujubes
