Old Cucumber, Dried Scallop and Tangerine Peel Congee

Why people make this congee

Mouth ulcers are no big illness, but the moment you try to eat, they sting and nag at you. It’s especially hard on little ones — a child with a mouth ulcer will just cry and refuse to eat. Nourilo’s answer is a tasty congee that, in the traditional view, clears heat and brings down “fire.” Old cucumber is the gentle hero here, traditionally used to clear heat, ease restlessness, generate fluids and relieve thirst. The congee is meant to nourish yin and cool summer heat, which is why it’s offered to both adults and children with mouth ulcers.

Method

1. Seed the old cucumber and cut into chunks. Soak and rinse the dried scallop, tangerine peel and rice.
2. Put everything in a pot with water.
3. Simmer until you have a smooth, moderately thick congee. Eat as desired.

Nourilo’s Tips

Don’t waste the scooped-out cucumber pulp and juice — it can be applied externally for children’s heat rash, and Nourilo likes to use it as a gentle skin softener for the face and hands (dab the juice on with cotton wool, massage gently 5–6 minutes, rinse off after about 15 minutes). Soak the hands in the rest.