Black chicken, oh yeah, the crown jewel of women’s health in Chinese medicine and food therapy. Yes, the skin is black, the bones are black, and even the meat has a blue-black hue. In Chinese medicine, the color black is associated with the Kidneys, and the Kidney’s are the source energy for the whole body.
Kidney’s are also largely responsible for the reproductive system. So by association, and the law signatures, black chicken is also very good for the reproductive system. It is always recommended for women post partum, to nourish the body, and replenish qi and blood after giving birth. This same property of strongly nourishing Kidney qi and blood also make it great for the elderly or people recovering from serious illness. Black chicken is a Silkie chicken. Yes, those ridiculously cute ones with big fluffy bursts of pom pom feathers. They contain double the amount of the amino acid carnitine than other chickens, and may be another explanation for it’s nourishing properties.
Black Chicken Qualities
The meat is a little gamey, but as a soup it makes a rich broth. The recipe here includes mushrooms and ginger, further increasing it’s immune enhancing properties. This recipe is also from the lovely blog of Henry McCann, and is great for anybody to eat during the colder days in January. The nourishment of qi and blood is important for anybody during the winter months, when we need build our stores of energy to use in the year to come.
Black chicken can be found in Chinese markets pretty easily. They are in the frozen section, often imported from Canada. I’ve never found them fresh, though I do have a dream of starting a Silkie farm and selling them to acupuncturists for their patients. If anybody’s got some land and would like to be a partner here in the bay area, hit me up.
Black Chicken Soup with Carrot
Ingredients:
- 1 black chicken
- 1 large carrot
- 2 oz mushrooms (such as shiitake, or dried Chinese mushrooms)
- 2oz water chestnuts
- ½ oz black wood ear mushrooms
- salt to taste
Preparation
For a rich and flavorful broth with black chicken, mushrooms, and water chestnuts, follow thesesteps:
Prepare the Ingredients:
- Peel, wash, and chop fresh water chestnuts.
- Soak wood ear mushrooms and any other dried mushrooms in water until they soften.
- Cut the chicken into large pieces, keeping the bones in. Chop 1 carrot into chunks.
Cook the Chicken and Carrot:
- Place the chicken and carrot chunks in a pot, covering them with water.
- Bring to a boil, then skim off any foam that forms on the surface.
- Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 3-4 hours. Occasionally check and add water as needed to keep the chicken submerged.
Alternative Cooking Methods:
- For a slower process, use a crockpot set to low overnight.
- For a quicker method, opt for an Instant Pot.
Strain and Shred:
- Strain the broth. Allow the chicken to cool briefly before shredding the meat from the bones. Return the shredded meat to the broth.
Final Touches:
- Add the prepared mushrooms, water chestnuts, and another chopped carrot to the pot.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then simmer for about 20 minutes.
Season and Serve:
- Season with salt according to your taste before serving. Enjoy your homemade, hearty broth!