This Valentine’s Day, consider a gift of subtle indulgence—one that transcends the usual gesture, offering not just sweetness but nourishment. A gift to oneself or another, this dark chocolate bark, adorned with goji berries and orange peel, marries richness with balance, aligning with the wisdom of centuries-old traditions. A small treat, with great purpose.

The TCM Benefits of This Superfood Trio
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, food is more than sustenance—it is a form of healing, each ingredient offering something vital to the equilibrium of the body. Here’s how the components of this recipe come together in mindful harmony:


Goji Berries 枸杞子

For centuries, goji berries have been revered as a “tonic for longevity.” Their sweet, neutral nature makes them a gentle yet potent ally for the liver and kidneys:

Nourishing yin and blood: They support hydration and balance, particularly in the eyes and skin.

Boosting energy and immunity: Rich in antioxidants, they help rejuvenate and strengthen the body’s natural defenses.

Enhancing vitality: A quiet, yet steady, lift in energy, offering respite from fatigue.


Orange Peel 陈皮

A staple in TCM, aged orange peel is valued for its bittersweet nature and its role in balancing the digestive system. Its properties include:

Promoting digestion: Aiding the breakdown of food and easing discomfort like bloating and heaviness.

Harmonising Qi: Facilitating the smooth flow of energy in the abdomen, it alleviates fullness and stagnation.

Clearing dampness: Its warmth and bitterness gently address respiratory congestion, offering clarity and ease.


Dark Chocolate 黑巧克力

While not traditionally included in TCM, dark chocolate’s qualities resonate deeply with modern principles of wellness. Slightly bitter, yet sweet, it nourishes the heart and calms the spirit:

Supporting heart health: The flavonoids in cacao encourage circulation and strengthen the cardiovascular system.

Mood enhancement: The compounds in chocolate bring comfort, encouraging a sense of calm and contentment.

Warming energy: Its rich nature offers a soothing warmth, a welcome indulgence in cooler months.

Ingredients
200g dark chocolate (70% cacao or higher)
1/4 cup dried goji berries
Zest of 1 organic orange
A pinch of sea salt

Instructions
Gently melt the dark chocolate using a double boiler or microwave, stirring until it reaches a smooth, glossy finish.

Line a baking tray with parchment paper, and pour the melted chocolate, spreading it to your preferred thickness.

While still warm, scatter the goji berries, orange peel, and a pinch of sea salt across the surface.

Allow the bark to cool at room temperature or quicken the process by placing it in the fridge.

Once hardened, break into pieces and savour the harmonious balance of flavours.


A Treat for Balance, Joy, and Reflection
This dark chocolate, goji berry, and orange bark is more than a simple indulgence; it is a gesture of care, of balance, and of quiet nourishment. The deep, earthy flavour of goji berries pairs seamlessly with the rich, bittersweet chocolate, while the bright zest of orange peel adds clarity and lightness. Each piece offers a moment of reflection, a reminder of the importance of harmony within.

This Valentine’s Day, offer yourself or another not just a gift, but a reminder of balance, of mindfulness, and of well-being. A simple, meaningful gesture—a nourishing treat, made with care.