Desserts
Steamed Apple with Fresh Lily Bulbs
Steamed apple with fresh lily bulbs is a classic Chinese healthy dessert that beautifully combines fruit with a medicinal food ingredient. The steamed apple becomes soft and sweet, while the lily bulbs offer a delicate, refreshing sweetness. Apples are known for promoting digestion and regulating the gut, while lily bulbs moisten the lungs and calm the mind. This low-calorie, nourishing dessert is especially perfect for dry autumn and winter seasons.
Main Ingredients
- Apple 1-2 pcs (approx. 200-250g)
- Fresh lily bulbs 1-2 heads (approx. 50-80g)
- Rock sugar to taste
- Dried osmanthus flowers a pinch
- Goji berries a few
Steps
Scrub the apple with salt, rinse well. Keep the skin on and cut into approx. 2cm chunks. (Apple skin is rich in pectin and dietary fibre – it’s recommended to keep it.) Separate fresh lily bulbs into petals, gently rinse to remove any sand, and drain.
Place the apple chunks and lily petals into a heatproof bowl. Add rock sugar (if using). Steam over medium heat for 12-15 minutes once the water is boiling, until the apple softens and the lily petals become translucent.
Garnish with dried osmanthus flowers or goji berries. Serve warm.
TCM Notes
Moistens the lungs, nourishes yin & quenches thirst (core benefit): Lily bulbs, slightly cold in nature, act on the heart and lung meridians, relieving dry cough and restlessness. Apples, neutral in nature, are rich in pectin and organic acids, promoting fluid production and appetite. Promotes digestion & regulates the gut: Pectin and organic acids in apples support digestion. Steamed apples are gentler on the stomach, making them suitable for those with weaker digestion. Rich in nutrients & antioxidants: Apples provide vitamin C and flavonoids; lily bulbs are rich in vitamins and amino acids. Low-calorie & weight-friendly: This dessert contains no added fat and is very low in calories – ideal for those on a weight-loss diet.
Suitable for：Those with dry throat, dry mouth, or dry skin during autumn and winter Those with dry cough, little phlegm, or throat discomfort Those with constipation seeking gentle gut support Those with yin deficiency needing gentle nourishment Those on a low-calorie diet seeking a healthy dessert General population for daily wellness
Not suitable for：Those with spleen-stomach deficiency-cold or diarrhea (Use with caution!): Lily bulbs are cool in nature – may stimulate the stomach. Add 2 slices of ginger to balance if consuming regularly. Diabetics (Strict portion control!): Apples and rock sugar contain sugar – omit rock sugar and strictly limit portion size. Those with wind-cold cough (Use with caution!): This dessert is for "heat" or "dry" coughs – not suitable for wind-cold coughs with thin white phlegm. Those allergic to lily bulbs or apples (Avoid!).
