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Source: Zhōu Pǔ 粥谱

Ingredients

• Fān shǔ (番薯 Ipomoeae Batatas Tuber, sweet potato) 250g
• Jīng mǐ (粳米 Oryzae Semen, non-glutinous rice) 60–90g
• Bái shā táng (白沙糖 Saccharon Granulatum Album, white sugar) (to taste)

Actions: Fortifies the spleen and nourishes the stomach; boost qì and promotes lactation.

Indications: Vitamin a deficiency, night blindness, bloody stool, constipation, and damp-heat jaundice.

Method: Wash, peel, and dice the sweet potato (choose ones with purple skin and bright orange flesh). Boil with rice to make the gruel. Add sugar before bringing to a boil two or three times before serving.

Rationale: Sweet potato has been an important foodstuff in China ever since its introduction in the 16th century, and is a common addition to gruel. It supplements the center and harmonizes the blood, boosts qì and engenders liquid, loosens the stomach and intestines and frees the stool. It is rich in carbohydrates, fiber, calcium, phosphorus, and vitamins A and C. It contains more protein than rice. It also contains small amounts of fat, carotene, and riboflavin.

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