Herbal Pharmacist Ai Okubo's Midsummer "Food-as-Medicine Recipes" for Cellular Rejuvenation

Harness the power of the sun! Recharge your summer energy with mangoes.

Summer brings many events and increased enjoyment, but in recent years, the intense heat and strong sunlight accumulate invisible fatigue in the body. Active oxygen produced by UV radiation damages mitochondria, which work within human cells, leading to energy depletion, fatigue, and problems with skin and eyes.
Additionally, a loss of appetite due to the heat or a diet high in carbohydrates can weaken the function of internal organs.
In the hot and humid summer, it is essential to actively consume antioxidant vitamins, B vitamins necessary for metabolism, hydrating foods, and foods containing good quality fats. Harness the power of seasonal medicinal foods to recharge your energy and hydration!

◆ This Month's Key Ingredient

Mango

Mangoes, grown with the power of the sun, are often called "edible beauty serums." Beta-carotene (Vitamin A), Vitamin C, and Vitamin E protect the body from oxidative stress caused by UV rays and help prevent age spots and wrinkles. The sweetness is believed to replenish moisture and nourish depleted energy, making it perfect when digestion is weak due to the heat.

◆ Recipe Introduction

Sautéed Cod with Mango Herb Sauce
To soothe a tired stomach and intestines

This sauce, made by slowly sautéing mango and celery until tender, highlights the natural sweetness and umami of the ingredients. It's gentle on a stomach and intestines tired from too many cold foods, and also great for hydrating in summer.

→Watch the cooking video here

Ingredients (for 2 servings)
Cod fillets 　　　　　　　2
Mango 　　　　　　　　　1/2
Celery 　　　　　　　　　1 stalk
Garlic 　　　　　　　　　1 clove
Olive oil 　　　　　　　　2 tsp
Salt, black pepper 　　　to taste

Instructions
① Roughly chop the mango, and finely chop the celery and garlic.
② Cook the cod.
③ Sauté the garlic in olive oil, then add the mango and celery and cook until softened. Season with salt and black pepper.
④ Pour generously over the cooked cod and serve.

Point
* The cod can be grilled or pan-fried.
* This dish is also delicious made with other white fish instead of cod.

Hydration + Circulation to alleviate summer sluggishness
Lightly Pickled Mango and Turnip

Juicy turnips, rich in dietary fiber and digestive enzymes, combined with sweet mango, support hydration and circulation. Adding vinegar helps to refresh and soothe summer fatigue and sluggishness.

→Watch the cooking video here

Ingredients
Turnip 　　　　　　　　　1
Mango 　　　　　　　　　1/4
Salt 　　　　　　　　　　1 pinch
Vinegar 　　　　　　　　　2 tsp

Instructions
① Slice the turnip thinly, sprinkle with salt, and let it soften.
② Cut the mango into bite-sized pieces.
③ Place the turnip and mango in a bag, add vinegar, and lightly massage.
④ Refrigerate until the flavors meld, then serve.

Point
* Adjust the pickling time to your preference.

 

Profile