"Cell-Rejuvenating Food-as-Medicine Recipes" by Kanpo Pharmacist Ai Okubo - October Edition
[October 2024]
Fig Recipes to Combat Autumn Ailments from the Gut
Autumn is the season of dryness. Not only the skin, but also the mucous membranes of the throat, nose, and intestines tend to dry out, which in turn lowers immunity. Even if you don't feel thirsty, try to drink water frequently, consume nutrients that strengthen mucous membranes, and be mindful of eating foods that provide good nourishment for your gut bacteria.
Recommended food-medicines include green and yellow vegetables, fish, and hot pots or soups made with chicken broth cooked with bones. For your gut health, don't forget to consume two palmfuls of pale-colored raw vegetables, one palmful of green and yellow vegetables, as well as seaweed, nuts and seeds, and fermented foods.
◆This Month's Key Ingredient
Figs
Figs, beloved by many, are highly nutritious and have long been called the "fruit of immortality." They are rich in pectin, a soluble dietary fiber, which helps regulate the intestinal environment. Furthermore, they are abundant in nutrients such as Vitamin E, folic acid, polyphenols, magnesium, and molybdenum. The skin also contains many polyphenols and dietary fiber, so eating them with the skin on is also good.
◆Recipe Introduction
Fig and Pacific Saury Tomato Stew
to Balance Mind and Body
Pacific saury, a representative fish of autumn, is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, vitamin D, and iron, which regulate the autonomic nervous system and immune function. By adding figs, which regulate the intestines, you can balance your mind and body with this seasonal stew.
Ingredients (for 2 servings)
Pacific saury 2 fish
Figs 2
Tomatoes 2
Onion 1/2
Ginger 2 slices
Rosemary appropriate amount
Miso, mirin 2 tsp each
Sake 50ml
Olive oil appropriate amount
Instructions
① Fillet the Pacific saury into three pieces, cut into easy-to-eat sizes, and sprinkle with salt and pepper (not listed in ingredients). Cut one fig into wedges, and roughly chop the other. Roughly chop the tomatoes and onion. Mince the ginger.
② Sauté the Pacific saury on both sides, then transfer to a plate.
③ Sauté the minced figs, tomatoes, and onion in olive oil.
④ Add the Pacific saury, fig wedges, ginger, rosemary, miso, mirin, and sake, bring to a boil, and it's done.
Point
* Garnish with Italian parsley, rich in Vitamin C and beta-carotene, for a finishing touch.
Gut Health & Antioxidant
Fig Western-Style Oden
This Western-style oden features the rich flavor of beef and bonito flakes, the aroma of celery, and the sweetness of figs. Autumn root vegetables, which are good for the gut, and beef, perfect for protein intake, help support your body during the changing seasons.
Ingredients
Figs 3 small
Thinly sliced beef 100g
Daikon radish 1/4
Carrot 1/2
Mushrooms 5
Bonito flakes a handful
Celery 1/2 stalk
Ginger 1 slice
Dried parsley or oregano to taste
Water 400ml
Soy sauce, mirin 1 tbsp each
Instructions
① Cut the daikon and celery into bite-sized pieces, and the mushrooms in half. Roughly chop the carrot, and julienne the ginger.
② Heat the daikon and carrot in a microwave (600W) for 5 minutes.
③ Place all ingredients in a pot, bring to a boil, and it's done.
Point
* Crushing the bonito flakes by hand before adding them will deepen the broth's flavor.
* Root vegetables are also delicious when cut into larger pieces, if preferred.
Profile
Ai Okubo
Pharmacist, Kampo Counselor. Studied Kampo, medicinal cuisine, and Eastern beauty at Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, becoming the first Japanese person to obtain the International Chinese Medicine Beauty Therapist qualification. After managing Kampo pharmacies, dispensing pharmacies, and beauty salons, she is now involved in product development, writing, and corporate consulting as an expert in Kampo, medicinal cuisine, and other medical and beauty fields.
Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aivonne85/
Official Twitter: https://twitter.com/Ai_loveflower
