During the Nguyen Dynasty, when royal concubines were pregnant and giving birth, royal physicians specialized in researching herbal remedies and nutritious seeds, which were processed into exquisite dishes to nourish the concubines’ health. Thus, the tradition of using seeds as herbal medicine to support pregnant women and nursing mothers has been passed down in Hue. When seeds are prepared into various dishes using special and delicate techniques, they acquire meaningful and exquisite names. Here are the names and meanings of the seeds in the King of Seed:
Vigna angularis: Red Beans have a sweet, sour, and neutral nature. They have the effect of promoting water metabolism, reducing swelling, and detoxifying the body.
Anacardiaceae: Cashew Nuts have a high content of protein, fats, and carbohydrates, as well as various vitamins and minerals to meet the body’s needs.
Vigna radiata: Green Beans contain 10.8% water, 19.9% protein, 0.5% lipids, 64.4% carbohydrates, 7.8% fiber, and 4.3% ash. They also contain vitamins A1, B1, B2, calcium, phosphorus, and iron. They have a sweet, sour, and neutral nature, promoting water metabolism, detoxifying the body, relieving bloating, and reducing swelling in limbs during late pregnancy.
Sesamum indicum: Sesame is considered a nutritious food and a precious medicine, rich in calcium. Traditional medicine says it has a sweet and neutral nature, nourishing blood, lubricating intestines, strengthening organs, improving vitality, strengthening tendons and bones, brightening eyes, and increasing intelligence. It can also be applied externally for swelling and burns and used as a paste for boils. Sesame seeds and sesame oil are used to treat constipation and enhance nutrition.
Basil seeds: In modern times, Chia Seeds have replaced E Seeds as a source of omega-3, containing a high amount of fiber, carbohydrates, omega-3, and protein.
Black beans: Black Beans are currently used to treat colds, flu, headaches, fever, malaria, leg pain, and restlessness.
Premium rice: Aromatic rice is cultivated during the flood season and harvested while still green to retain its aroma. Only the husks are milled to maintain the most natural and nutritious form.
Brown Sugar: Unrefined Brown Sugar has long been an essential ingredient in herbal medicine and dishes, providing excellent health benefits and energy for the body.