Congee & Porridge
Century Egg and Dried Mussel Congee
Traditionally used to clear heat, support the liver and kidneys, and help those with high blood pressure
Why people make this congee
In traditional food-therapy thinking, century egg is associated with cooling heat and calming “deficiency fire.” This century egg and dried mussel congee is traditionally said to calm the heart, cool excess heat, and support the liver and kidneys — a comforting bowl for people dealing with high blood pressure, ringing in the ears, or dizziness.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Suits people managing high blood pressure, tinnitus or dizziness; the source also notes it may help with dizziness, night sweats from liver-kidney depletion, and gum swelling from “deficiency fire.”
- Choose lead-free century eggs. Food therapy supports but does not replace medical treatment for blood pressure — keep up with your doctor.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Century egg (pi dan): Traditionally associated with nourishing yin, cooling heat, and calming “deficiency fire.”
- Dried mussels (dan cai): Traditionally used to support the liver and kidneys and nourish essence and blood.
- Dried tangerine peel (chen pi): Added to support digestion and round out the savory flavor.
Ingredients (1 pot, 2–3 servings)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Century egg | 1–2 | lead-free; peeled, rinsed, cut into pieces |
| Dried mussels | ~75 g (2 liang) | soaked and rinsed |
| Dried tangerine peel | 2 pieces | soaked and rinsed |
| White rice | ~75 g (2 liang) | rinsed, then marinated with a little oil and salt |
Method
- Peel the century eggs, rinse, and cut into pieces.
- Soak and rinse the dried mussels and tangerine peel.
- Rinse the rice, then marinate it briefly with a little oil and salt.
- Add all the ingredients to a pot with water and cook into a congee of a thick, smooth consistency.
- Eat as much as you like.
Bro Niu’s tips
This congee may also benefit people with dizziness and night sweats from liver-kidney depletion, and gum swelling caused by “deficiency fire” rising.
Community questions answered (selected)
- Q (Joey): Can someone with liver cirrhosis eat century egg? Bro Niu: Yes, in moderation — and it is best to buy lead-free century eggs.
Published January 10, 2012 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
