Soups
Fresh Dendrobium, Fresh Yam, Goji and Snow Fungus Pork Rib Soup
Traditionally associated with supporting healthy blood sugar and moistening dryness
Why people make this soup
I happened to spot fresh dendrobium at a Chinese herb shop — it can be juiced or steeped as tea, and is traditionally used to nourish yin, clear heat and moisten dryness. It has long been a herb associated with supporting healthy blood sugar. Pairing it with fresh Chinese yam and goji, plus moistening snow fungus, makes a soup that is gentle on the body and especially welcome in autumn and winter when skin, eyes and throat feel dry.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Those wanting gentle support for blood sugar and for dryness of skin, eyes and throat; suitable for young and old, and traditionally said to be good for tired eyes.
- If you are managing diabetes, treat this as a supportive food only and keep working with your doctor.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Fresh dendrobium (xian shi hu): Traditionally used to nourish yin, clear heat and moisten dryness, and long associated with supporting healthy blood sugar.
- Fresh Chinese yam (xian huai shan): Traditionally valued in blood-sugar-friendly soups.
- Goji (gou qi zi): Traditionally used to nourish the liver and support the eyes.
- Snow fungus (xue er): Traditionally used to nourish yin and moisten dryness.
Ingredients (4 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh dendrobium | ~19 g | Or 11 g dried |
| Fresh Chinese yam | ~150 g | Peeled, cut |
| Goji (gou qi zi) | ~11 g | Rinse |
| Snow fungus (xue er) | ~11 g | Soaked, base trimmed |
| Pork ribs | ~300 g | Blanched |
| Water | 9 bowls | Reduced to 4 |
Method
- Wash the fresh dendrobium and cut into sections. Peel and chunk the fresh yam.
- Rinse the goji; soak the snow fungus and trim the base. Blanch the pork ribs.
- Add all ingredients to 9 bowls of water and simmer 1.5 hours until reduced to about 4 bowls.
Nourilo’s Tips
This soup is light and moistening, suitable for young and old, and also good for those with weakening eyesight. If you can’t get fresh dendrobium, use about 11 g of the dried herb instead.
Published December 13, 2024 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
