The descriptions on this page do not constitute medical claims. If you have health concerns, please consult a physician.
American Ginseng Squab Broth
In Cantonese tradition, it is said that „one squab is worth nine chickens,“ meaning that squab is highly nutritious. This broth features American ginseng as the main ingredient, combined with squab, goji berries, red dates, and ginger, providing a balanced and nourishing effect.
Traditionally described in TCM as slightly cooling, American ginseng is known to tonify qi and yin, clear heat, and generate body fluids. Squab provides a protein base and tonifies qi and blood. Goji berries and red dates are traditionally described in TCM as nourishing the liver and improving vision, and tonifying the middle energiser and harmonising the herbs, respectively. Ginger is traditionally described in TCM as warming the stomach and balancing the properties of the other ingredients.
This broth is particularly suitable for those who are busy, sleep-deprived, or experiencing the heat of summer, and who may feel „deficient heat.“
| Ingredient | Chinese | Quantity | Traditional TCM Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| Squab | 乳鴿 (Rǔ gē) | 1 | Neutral in nature, tonifies qi and blood, provides a protein base |
| American ginseng (西洋參, Xī yáng shēn) | 西洋參 (Xī yáng shēn) | 3g | Traditionally described in TCM as slightly cooling, tonifies qi and yin, clears heat, and generates body fluids |
| Goji berries (枸杞, Gǒu qǐ) | 杞子 (Qǐ zǐ) | 2g | Traditionally described in TCM as nourishing the liver and improving vision, and tonifying blood |
| Red dates (紅棗, Hóng zǎo) | 紅棗 (Hóng zǎo) | 3g | Traditionally described in TCM as tonifying the middle energiser and harmonising the herbs |
| Ginger (薑, Jiāng) | 薑 (Jiāng) | 1 slice | Traditionally described in TCM as warming the stomach and balancing the properties of the other ingredients |
| Water | 水 (Shuǐ) | 350g | Base for the broth |
Detailed Ingredient Information
American Ginseng
American ginseng, also known as flower flag ginseng, is native to North America. Traditionally described in TCM as slightly cooling, it is known to tonify qi and yin, clear heat, and generate body fluids. Unlike Korean red ginseng (高麗參, Gāo lì shēn), which is described as warm in nature, American ginseng is more suitable for „cool-tonifying“ broths.
Goji Berries
Goji berries are traditionally described in TCM as nourishing the liver and improving vision, and tonifying blood. They are rich in various vitamins and minerals, providing excellent nourishment for the body.
Red Dates
Red dates are traditionally described in TCM as tonifying the middle energiser and harmonising the herbs. They contain a high amount of sugars, vitamin C, and various trace elements, making them very beneficial for enhancing physical strength.
Ginger
Ginger is traditionally described in TCM as warming the stomach and balancing the properties of the other ingredients. It aids digestion, increases appetite, and balances the properties of other herbs.
Note: The TCM attributions described here are based on the tradition of Chinese dietary medicine. American ginseng, goji berries, red dates, and ginger are not approved medicinal products in Germany — descriptions are provided in a cultural-historical and food-science context. If you have health concerns, please consult a physician.
- Clean the squab thoroughly and remove the internal organs.
- Rinse the American ginseng, goji berries, red dates, and ginger, and set them aside.
- Place all the ingredients in a clay pot and add enough water.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 2 hours.
- Add salt to taste at the end.
- Turn off the heat and let it cool slightly before serving.
— Chef Li
Seasonal Suitability
This broth is particularly suitable for consumption during the summer due to its cool-tonifying properties, which can help alleviate the feeling of summer heat. Additionally, it is a good choice for those who frequently stay up late or have a busy work schedule.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between American ginseng and Korean red ginseng (Ginseng Radix Rubra)?
American ginseng, also known as flower flag ginseng, is native to North America and is traditionally described in TCM as slightly cooling, tonifying qi and yin, clearing heat, and generating body fluids. Korean red ginseng (Ginseng Radix Rubra) is described as warm in nature and is suitable for situations requiring warming tonification. Therefore, American ginseng is more appropriate for „cool-tonifying“ broths.
What does „one squab is worth nine chickens“ mean? Is squab really that nourishing?
The Cantonese saying „one squab is worth nine chickens“ means that squab is highly nutritious. Squab is indeed rich in protein and other nutrients, making it very beneficial for tonifying qi and blood.
How long should the broth be simmered? When should salt be added?
This broth should be simmered for about 2 hours. It is recommended to add salt at the end to preserve the original flavour of the broth.
Can pregnant women or children drink this broth?
It is advisable to consult a physician, as this page does not provide medical advice. Pregnant women and children need to be particularly cautious with their diet and should choose suitable foods under the guidance of a professional doctor.
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