February 12 marks Jeongwol Daeboreum, the day of the first full moon of the year in the lunar calendar. On this day, various traditional customs such as cracking bureom (nuts) and making yakbap (medicinal rice) have been carried out to wish for health and well-being throughout the year.
Cracking bureom involves the sound produced when breaking hard-shelled nuts like walnuts, pine nuts, and peanuts, which is believed to scare away evil spirits, preventing sores or boils for the year. The Joseon-era record, “Dongguksesigi,” notes that eating cracked nuts on the morning of Jeongwol Daeboreum would ensure a year of good health.
Let’s explore the health benefits of cracking bureom and yakbap from a herbal and nutritional perspective, with insights from Kim Chang-yeon, director of Daejeon Jaseng Korean Medicine Hospital.
Bureom refers to the nuts inside hard shells, with walnuts being a prime example. According to the herbal medicine book “Bencao Gangmu,” walnuts enhance kidney function, stimulate brain activity, and replenish energy. In practice, they are rich in vitamin E and omega-3s, promoting blood circulation and improving brain health. Walnuts also aid kidney function by promoting diuresis and are known to alleviate joint and back pain.
Pine nuts, renowned as food for immortals, symbolize health and longevity. They are said to beautify the skin and support organ health, as mentioned in “Dongui Bogam.” Nutritionally, they are rich in unsaturated fatty acids, helping prevent adult diseases, delay aging, and boost metabolism. Pine nuts contain pinolenic acid, not found in other nuts, which effectively controls blood cholesterol and sugar levels.
Peanuts, historically known as “Nakhwa-saeng,” are also rich in beneficial components. They help improve blood circulation and support the recovery of fatigue and respiratory and digestive health. Additionally, peanuts contain vitamin B complex and lecithin, enhancing brain and nerve cell activity. However, peanuts should be stored in airtight containers refrigerated to prevent the carcinogen aflatoxin from forming when kept at room temperature fỏ an extended period.
These nuts are also used in yakbap, another traditional Jeongwol Daeboreum dish. Historically, foods with honey were often called medicinal, hence the name yakbap, which includes glutinous rice, pine nuts, jujubes, and honey. Glutinous rice, known for its warming properties, protects the stomach and replenishes energy. Jujubes, also warm in nature, aid digestion and boost immunity. Both “Dongui Bogam” and “Bencao Gangmu” describe jujubes as medicinal ingredients that protect the organs and soothe the stomach. Honey, used in yakbap, is rich in antioxidants, aiding in anti-aging, skin health, and fatigue recovery.
Kim Chang-yeon emphasizes, “The traditional food customs of Jeongwol Daeboreum reflect the wisdom of our ancestors in considering health. However, nuts and yakbap are relatively high in calories, so avoiding excessive consumption is recommended. Additionally, care should be taken not to strain the jaw joint when chewing hard nuts.”