Winter Melon, Poria Cocos, Coix Seed and Lean Pork Soup

Main Ingredients

• Lean pork (tenderloin preferred) 150-200g
• Winter melon 200-300g
• Coix seeds (Job's tears) 20-30g
• Poria cocos 15g
• Fresh ginger 2-3 slices
• Salt to taste
• White pepper powder a pinch
• Water approx. 1.2-1.8L

Steps

1. Rinse the coix seeds and Poria cocos. Soak coix seeds in cold water for 40 minutes to 2 hours to soften; soak Poria cocos for 10-15 minutes. Scrub the winter melon (keep the skin on), remove the seeds and pith, and cut into large chunks. Cut the lean pork into large pieces or thick slices, and soak in water for 10 minutes to remove blood. Slice the ginger.

   

2. Place the pork in a pot with cold water and 1 slice of ginger. Bring to a boil, skim off foam, and boil for about 2-3 minutes. Remove and rinse with warm water. Drain.

   

3. Place the blanched pork, soaked coix seeds, Poria cocos, and remaining ginger slices into a clay pot. Add water (approx. 1.2-1.8L). Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low heat, cover, and simmer for about 40-45 minutes.

   

4. Add the winter melon chunks and continue simmering over low heat for 15-20 minutes until the melon becomes translucent and tender. (Do not overcook the winter melon, or it will become mushy and the soup will turn cloudy.)

   

5. Add salt 5 minutes before serving (adding salt too early toughens the meat). Add a pinch of white pepper if desired. Stir well and serve hot.

   

TCM Notes

Spleen-strengthening, dampness-draining & edema-reducing (core benefit): Winter melon, cool in nature with a sweet and bland taste, clears heat, promotes diuresis, and reduces swelling. Poria cocos, neutral in nature with a sweet and bland taste, promotes diuresis, strengthens the spleen, and calms the mind. Coix seeds, slightly cool in nature, promote diuresis and strengthen the spleen. Together, they effectively relieve limb heaviness, poor appetite, and edema caused by spleen deficiency with dampness. Clearing summer heat & quenching thirst: Winter melon is rich in water and potassium, effectively relieving summer heat and thirst. Coix seeds clear heat and help cool the body. Supporting weight management: Winter melon contains丙二酸 which inhibits the conversion of sugar into fat. Coix seeds are rich in amino acids. This soup is low in calories and high in fiber – suitable for weight management. High-quality protein & minerals: Lean pork provides high-quality animal protein and heme iron. Winter melon is rich in potassium (approx. 450mg per 1500g). Coix seeds are rich in dietary fiber (approx. 5.2g per 60g).

Suitable for：Those needing relief from summer heat and thirst Those with spleen deficiency and dampness – body heaviness, limb soreness, or fatigue Those with edema, puffy eyelids in the morning, or swollen legs in the afternoon Office workers with sedentary lifestyles and prolonged AC exposure Those with poor appetite or fatigue Those with high blood pressure or needing weight management General population for summer dampness prevention

Not suitable for：Pregnant women (Strictly avoid!): Coix seeds may stimulate uterine smooth muscle contraction – risk of miscarriage. Those with spleen-stomach deficiency-cold, loose stools, or diarrhea (Use with caution or avoid!): Winter melon, coix seeds, and Poria cocos are all cooling in nature and may worsen deficiency-cold symptoms. If consuming, dry-fry the coix seeds and double the ginger. Those with low blood pressure (Use with caution): The soup has diuretic and blood pressure-lowering effects. Women during menstruation (Use with caution): Cold-natured ingredients may worsen menstrual cramps or cause heavy bleeding. Those with yin deficiency or dry mouth/throat (Use with caution): The diuretic effect may worsen fluid loss – limit to no more than 3 times per week. Those with kidney dysfunction (Under medical supervision): Winter melon is high in potassium – those needing potassium restriction should limit intake. Those allergic to winter melon, coix seeds, Poria cocos, or pork (Avoid).