Lotus Seed and Gorgon Fruit Porridge

Main Ingredients

• Lotus seeds 50g
• Gorgon fruit (Euryale seed / Qian Shi) 50g
• Japonica rice (or glutinous rice) 100g
• Rock sugar (or brown sugar) to taste
• Water 2000ml

Steps

1. Lotus seeds: Rinse and soak in cold water for 2-4 hours until soft. After soaking, remove the green core (lotus plumule) to reduce bitterness. Gorgon fruit: Rinse and soak in cold water for 2-3 hours. Gorgon fruit is hard and requires adequate soaking to become tender. Rice: Rinse and soak in cold water for 30 minutes.

   

2. Add 1500-2000ml of water to a clay pot or soup pot and bring to a boil. Add the soaked lotus seeds, gorgon fruit, and rice (japonica or glutinous) to the pot. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low heat and simmer for about 1 hour until the lotus seeds, gorgon fruit, and rice are soft and the porridge thickens. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. If using an electric slow cooker, select the "porridge" mode and double-boil for 2 hours.

   

3. When the porridge is done, add rock sugar (or brown sugar) to taste and stir until fully dissolved. For a savory version, add a pinch of salt to taste.

   

4. Serve warm, 1-2 times daily, as breakfast, dinner, or a snack. Recommended 2-3 times per week. Avoid long-term excessive consumption to prevent excessive carbohydrate intake.

   

TCM Notes

Lotus seeds: Sweet and astringent in taste, neutral in nature, acts on the Spleen, Kidney, and Heart meridians. Rich in protein, carbohydrates, B vitamins, calcium, phosphorus, iron, and other minerals. Known to strengthen the spleen, stop diarrhea, nourish the heart, calm the mind, and tonify the kidneys to consolidate essence. Modern research shows that lotus seeds help boost immunity and improve sleep. Gorgon fruit (Euryale seed) : Sweet and astringent in taste, neutral in nature, acts on the Spleen and Kidney meridians. Rich in starch, protein, and various vitamins. Known to strengthen the spleen, stop diarrhea, tonify the kidneys, consolidate essence, and dispel dampness and leukorrhea. Modern research shows that gorgon fruit has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-boosting effects. Japonica/Glutinous rice: Japonica rice tonifies the middle, strengthens the spleen and harmonizes the stomach; glutinous rice enhances the thickness and warming tonic effect of the porridge. Together, they achieve the synergistic effects of strengthening the spleen and stomach, tonifying the kidneys and consolidating essence, nourishing the heart and calming the mind, and dispelling dampness and leukorrhea.

Suitable for：Those with weak spleen and stomach, poor digestion, or poor appetite Those with spleen-deficiency chronic diarrhea or loose stools Those with kidney deficiency, spermatorrhea, or frequent urination Those with excessive leukorrhea (thin white discharge) Those with restlessness, insomnia, or neurasthenia Middle-aged and elderly individuals with heart-spleen-kidney deficiency or weak constitution Those with high work pressure, nervous tension, or fatigue Children with spleen-deficiency constitution (can be cooked with Chinese yam)

Not suitable for：Those with constipation or dry stools: Both lotus seeds and gorgon fruit have astringent properties that may worsen constipation Those with difficult urination or bowel movements – contraindicated Those with food stagnation or poor digestion – use with caution Diabetic patients: Porridge is high in carbohydrates; control portion size and avoid added sugar Those with internal damp-heat or yellow greasy tongue coating – not suitable Those allergic to lotus seeds or gorgon fruit