Kampo Pharmacist Ai Okubo's Cell-Rejuvenating Food and Herb Recipes for January
【January 2025】
Start the new year energized with kiwi!
A new year has begun. Were you able to relax during the New Year holidays?
It's a time when many people find their routines disrupted after a long holiday, leading to colds, stress, weight gain, neglecting skincare and developing more wrinkles, or experiencing autonomic nervous system imbalances early in the new year.
In January, let's revisit the basics of dietary medicine: eat until 70-80% full, correct your posture, chew each bite 15 times on each side of your mouth, reduce sweet drinks, noodles, and bread, and ensure you're getting enough protein and fiber. If you have the capacity, it's also recommended to consciously incorporate nutrients essential for winter, such as antioxidants and vitamin D.
◆This Month's Key Ingredient
Kiwi
Kiwi is in season in winter. It's a fruit packed with antioxidants necessary for anti-aging care during the cold season. It contains an enzyme called actinidin, which helps break down protein, making it an excellent ingredient not only for desserts but also for marinating meat. Another key point is its abundance of nutrients beneficial for women, such as vitamin C, dietary fiber, iron, and folic acid.
◆Recipe Introduction
Pork Steak with Kiwi Salsa Sauce
To refresh tired skin from the inside out
Marinating pork with kiwi not only tenderizes the meat but also enhances nutrient absorption. This is a hearty and healthy dish recommended when you're feeling tired.
Ingredients
Pork loin 200–300g
Kiwi 2 pcs
Tomato 1 pc
Cucumber 1/2 pc
Onion 1/4 pc
Vinegar 2 tbsp
Grated garlic 2 cloves
Salt To taste
Tabasco Optional
Instructions
① Cut 1 kiwi, tomato, cucumber, and onion into 1cm cubes.
② Place pork, 1 kiwi, 1/2 tsp salt, grated garlic, and black pepper in a zip-top bag. Mash the kiwi and mix well, then let it marinate for 30 minutes.
③ Remove the pork and grill both sides, then transfer to a plate.
④ Add the remaining marinade from the zip-top bag and the diced ingredients from step ①. Season with vinegar, salt, and Tabasco, then quickly combine over medium-low heat to make the salsa.
⑤ Pour the salsa over the pork and serve.
Point
* This is also delicious with chicken or beef.
Kiwi and Amberjack Carpaccio
Refresh your mind and skin!
When you're feeling stressed from lifestyle changes or feeling down, combat it with antioxidants. Combine with accent ingredients like mustard, lemon, arugula, and dill.
Ingredients
Kiwi 1 pc
Amberjack sashimi 200g
Whole grain mustard 1 tbsp
Lemon juice 1 tbsp
Soy sauce 1 tsp
Olive oil 1 tbsp
Salt/black pepper To taste
Arugula/dill Optional
Instructions
① Roughly chop 1/2 kiwi and mix with whole grain mustard, lemon juice, soy sauce, and olive oil.
② Arrange arugula on a plate, top with amberjack, and drizzle with the mixture from step ①. Garnish with sliced kiwi (1/2 pc) and dill.
Point
* Vinegar can be used as a substitute for lemon juice.
Profile
Ai Okubo
Pharmacist and traditional Chinese medicine counselor. She studied traditional Chinese medicine, medicinal cuisine, and Eastern beauty at Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, becoming the first Japanese person to obtain an international traditional Chinese medicine beauty specialist qualification. After managing traditional Chinese medicine pharmacies, dispensing pharmacies, and beauty salons, she now works as an expert in medicine and beauty, including traditional Chinese medicine and medicinal cuisine, involved in product development, writing, and corporate consulting.
Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aivonne85/
Official Twitter: https://twitter.com/Ai_loveflower
