Euryale Seed Porridge

Main Ingredients

• Dried Euryale seed (Gorgon fruit / Qian Shi) 80 g
• Japonica rice (or glutinous rice) 80 g
• Rock sugar 20 g
• Water 1500ml
• Goji berries 5 g
• Red dates 5 pieces

Steps

1. Euryale seeds: Rinse 2-3 times to remove dust. Soak in plenty of water for 4-6 hours (or refrigerated overnight) until seeds visibly swell and have no hard core when pinched. Fresh seeds can be mashed into a paste; aged seeds are better ground into powder before cooking. This step is essential – thorough soaking significantly shortens cooking time and ensures a soft, tender texture. Japonica rice (or glutinous rice): Rinse and soak in water for 30 minutes, then drain. Red dates (if using): Wash, remove pits, and cut in half or slice to release flavor. Goji berries: Rinse briefly and drain.

   

2. Drain the soaked Euryale seeds and place them in a clay pot or rice cooker (avoid iron pots). Add approximately 1000ml of water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium-low and simmer for about 30-40 minutes until the seeds are fully swollen and can be easily pierced with chopsticks.

   

3. Add the soaked rice (and red dates, if using) to the pot. If the water has reduced significantly, top up with hot water to a total of about 1200-1500ml (add all at once). Bring back to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low heat (maintain a gentle simmer), cover, and cook for about 25-30 minutes. Stir occasionally from the bottom to prevent sticking or burning.

   

4. The porridge is ready when rice grains are fully bloomed, Euryale seeds are soft and tender, and the porridge reaches a thick, creamy white consistency. Euryale seeds should be slowly simmered until thoroughly cooked and chewed slowly to fully realize their nourishing benefits.

   

5. Add rock sugar and goji berries (if using), then simmer for another 3-5 minutes until the sugar dissolves completely. Brown sugar can be used instead of white sugar for flavor. Turn off the heat and let it rest, covered, for 5-10 minutes to thicken further. Serve warm. Recommended consumption: 2-3 times per week.

   

TCM Notes

Euryale seed (Qian Shi) : Sweet and astringent in taste, neutral in nature, acts on the Spleen and Kidney meridians. Per 100g, it contains 8.3g protein, 3g fat, 0.9g dietary fiber, 78.7g carbohydrates, along with rich B vitamins (B₁, B₂), calcium, phosphorus, iron, and other minerals. Modern research indicates Euryale seeds have antioxidant, blood sugar-lowering, blood pressure-lowering, anti-myocardial ischemia, gastric mucosa-protecting, and anti-aging effects. In TCM, Euryale seeds are known to consolidate kidney essence, strengthen the spleen, stop diarrhea, and eliminate dampness-related leukorrhea. The Shennong Bencao Jing (Divine Farmer's Materia Medica) classified it as a top-grade herb, stating it "treats dampness-related lumbar and knee pain, tonifies the middle, removes sudden ailments, boosts essence and qi, strengthens willpower, and sharpens the ears and eyes". Japonica/Glutinous rice: Provides essential carbohydrates and energy; when cooked with Euryale seeds, it increases the porridge's thickness and satiety while moderating the astringent nature of the seeds. Red dates & Goji berries (if added): Red dates tonify qi and nourish blood; goji berries are rich in polysaccharides and carotenoids, offering antioxidant and eye-protective benefits. The porridge collectively achieves the effects of strengthening the spleen and stomach, consolidating kidney essence, draining dampness, stopping diarrhea, and supplementing middle qi. One serving (approx. 300ml) provides about 180-220 kcal (depending on sugar content), low in fat and sodium, rich in dietary fiber and plant-based protein.

Suitable for：Those with weak spleen and stomach – poor appetite, abdominal distension, loose stools, chronic diarrhea, or prolonged diarrhea Those with spleen deficiency and dampness excess – excessive or abnormal leukorrhea (gynecological leukorrhea disorders) Those with kidney deficiency – sore lower back and knees, spermatorrhea, nocturnal emissions, or premature ejaculation Elderly with frequent nighttime urination and children with enuresis (bedwetting) Those recovering from illness or post-surgery needing gentle nourishment Those in sub-health conditions requiring mild, restorative care Those seeking to strengthen the spleen and kidneys in preparation for winter storage during autumn/winter seasons

Not suitable for：Those with constipation or difficulty urinating: Euryale seeds have astringent properties that may worsen constipation Those with food stagnation or poor digestion: Euryale seeds are relatively hard and rich in starch; those with weak digestion may experience increased gastrointestinal burden New mothers with lochia (postpartum discharge) not yet resolved or with blood stasis: The astringent nature may hinder the discharge of lochia Children should not overconsume: Due to the astringent properties and developing digestive systems, intake should be limited Pregnant women should consume with caution: While moderate consumption can provide nutrition, the astringent nature may cause constipation, and individual constitutions vary – overconsumption is not advised Those with abdominal distension or acute gastroenteritis: High starch content and astringent properties may aggravate discomfort Those allergic to Euryale seeds