Desserts
Osmanthus, Lotus Seed and Tremella Dessert Soup
Osmanthus, lotus seed and tremella dessert soup is an elegant twist on the classic tremella-lotus seed combo, elevated by the celestial fragrance of osmanthus. The tremella is velvety and collagen-rich, gliding smoothly down your throat；the lotus seeds are floury and dense, melting on the tongue；the osmanthus brings a crisp, floral aroma that refreshes the senses like a gentle autumn breeze. Together in an amber-hued broth, they deliver layers of floral, nutty, and sweet notes with a lingering finish. If the snow pear-lotus-tremella soup is about "balancing moisture and calm," this osmanthus version is the ultimate expression of "gentle warmth and nourishment." Osmanthus, being warm in nature, counterbalances the cool-moist properties of tremella and lotus seeds, creating a perfect wellness formula that is "warm-tonifying without dryness, clear-moist without chill." One warm bowl soothes the lungs, calms the heart, and warms the stomach – three organs harmonized in one sip.
Main Ingredients
- Dried tremella 1 piece (approx. 20g)
- Dried lotus seeds (core-removed) 30g
- Dried osmanthus flowers 3g (or sweet osmanthus syrup 15g)
- Rock sugar 40g
- Goji berries 10g
- Water 1.8-2.2L
Steps
Place tremella in a bowl, cover with cold water (never hot). Soak for 2-3 hours until fully expanded. Trim the hard yellow root, then tear into tiny pieces (smaller = more gelatin). Rinse and drain.
Soak dried lotus seeds in warm water for 1-2 hours. Check and remove any remaining green cores. Rinse and set aside.
Place shredded tremella into a clay pot or electric stewing pot with water (approx. 1.8L). Bring to a boil, then reduce to low heat, cover, and simmer for 40-50 minutes until the tremella softens and the liquid becomes slightly viscous.
Add the soaked lotus seeds. Continue simmering over low heat for 30-40 minutes until the lotus seeds are soft and floury, the tremella fully releases its collagen, and the soup thickens.
In the last 5-8 minutes, add rock sugar, goji berries and dried osmanthus (or sweet osmanthus syrup). Stir well to dissolve the sugar and fully release the osmanthus fragrance.
Turn off the heat, cover and rest for 5 minutes to let the osmanthus aroma infuse completely with the tremella and lotus seeds. Serve warm for a soothing treat or chilled for a more refreshing dessert – both are delightful.
TCM Notes
Lung-moistening, yin-nourishing & beautifying: Tremella polysaccharides (60%-70%) lock in moisture for the skin and reduce wrinkles – its plant-based mucilage structurally resembles hyaluronic acid, making it a natural "beauty agent." Heart-calming, mind-soothing & sleep-improving: Liensinine and aromatic glycosides in lotus seeds have sedative effects on the central nervous system, relieving insomnia, restlessness and frequent dreams. Lotus seeds act on the heart, spleen and kidney meridians – they are known as the "fruit of tranquility." Warming the middle, dispersing cold & relieving stomach pain (core benefit of osmanthus): Osmanthus is warm in nature with a pungent taste – it warms the lungs, transforms phlegm, and disperses cold to relieve pain. Its warm nature perfectly balances the cool-moist properties of tremella and lotus seeds, making this soup especially suitable for those with cold stomach pain and sensitivity to cold. Spleen-strengthening & anti-diarrheal: Lotus seeds are sweet and astringent – they help consolidate the intestines, improving chronic diarrhea and frequent nocturia. Mood-elevating & stress-relieving: The fragrance of osmanthus helps balance emotions, relieve stress, and dispel anxiety – combined with the calming effect of lotus seeds, it provides double nerve-soothing benefits.
Suitable for：Those with dry, rough skin needing internal beauty care People suffering from insomnia, restlessness, frequent dreaming, or neurasthenia Those with cold stomach pain, intolerance to cold, or cold hands/feet (osmanthus's warm nature makes this especially suitable) People with lung-dry coughs, dry throat, or prone to heatiness in autumn/winter Those with chronic diarrhea or poor appetite due to spleen deficiency Menopausal women (nourishing yin, relieving hot flashes and irritability) People with late-night habits, smokers, or working in AC/dry environments Elderly individuals needing gentle nourishment without the chill of overly cooling foods
Not suitable for：Severe constipation or dry hard stools (use with caution!)：Lotus seeds are astringent and reduce intestinal moisture, worsening constipation. Such individuals should reduce lotus seed amount (to less than 15g) or omit them entirely and only consume tremella-osmanthus soup, while increasing water intake. Acute wind-cold colds or febrile diseases (use with caution!)：Osmanthus is warm and lotus seeds are astringent. Consuming during fever, sore throat, or yellow phlegm may trap pathogens and worsen the condition. Damp-heat excess with yellow greasy tongue coating (use with caution!)：Symptoms include abdominal distension, bitter/sticky mouth, and sticky stools. Tremella is slightly cloying and lotus seeds are astringent – they may aggravate damp-heat stagnation. Diabetics (extreme caution)：Contains added rock sugar and natural sugars. Omit rock sugar entirely, rely solely on natural sweetness, limit to ≤100ml, and monitor blood glucose post-meal. Abdominal bloating or food stagnation: The astringent nature of lotus seeds may worsen indigestion and gas. Acute diarrhea or enteritis: Wait until symptoms subside before consuming. Infants under 1 year old: The sticky texture poses a choking hazard, and lotus seeds contain alkaloids – their digestive systems are underdeveloped. Avoid. Those allergic to osmanthus, lotus seeds or tremella (rare).
