Stews
Green olive soup with lean pork
Braised Green Olive with Lean Pork is a classic Cantonese medicinal soup that combines Chinese green olives (qinglan) with lean pork, slowly simmered to perfection. Green olives are sweet, astringent, and sour in taste, neutral in nature, and channel to the Lung and Stomach meridians. They are known for clearing the lung, relieving sore throat, promoting salivation, and detoxifying. Lean pork nourishes yin, moistens dryness, and replenishes qi. Together, they create a clear, light soup with a sweet and slightly tangy aftertaste that soothes the throat. In Fujian folk medicine, salted green olives stewed with lean pork have long been used to treat sore throats and coughs. This soup is especially suitable for those who frequently stay up late, smoke, overuse their voice, or suffer from throat discomfort.
Main Ingredients
- Green olives (qinglan) 6-8 pieces (approx. 50-80g)
- Lean pork (tenderloin or pork shank) 250g
- Honey dates (optional) 1-2 pieces
- Fresh ginger 2-3 slices
- Salt To taste
Steps
Rinse green olives thoroughly. Crack them with the back of a knife or cut them in half (cracking releases more flavor). Rinse lean pork and cut into approximately 2-3 cm cubes.
Place pork cubes in a pot with cold water. Bring to a boil over high heat and continue boiling for 2-3 minutes. Skim off foam, remove pork, and rinse with warm water to remove impurities.
Place the blanched pork, cracked olives, ginger slices, and honey dates (if using) into a stewing pot or clay pot. Add enough boiling water to cover all ingredients (approximately 800-1000ml).
Double-boiling method: Place the stewing pot in an electric steamer or regular steamer and cook for 1.5-2 hours Clay pot method: Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low heat and simmer for 1-1.5 hours
Add salt to taste before serving. The soup naturally carries a sweet flavor from the olives, so avoid over-salting.
TCM Notes
Green olives are rich in protein, carbohydrates, vitamin C, vitamin A, carotene, dietary fiber, calcium, phosphorus, iron, and other minerals. Their calcium content ranks among the highest in fruits, and vitamin C helps block the formation of N-nitroso compounds. Lean pork provides high-quality protein, essential amino acids, iron, zinc, and selenium. In traditional Chinese medicine, green olives channel to the Lung and Stomach meridians, clearing heat, relieving sore throat, resolving phlegm, and promoting salivation. Lean pork channels to the Spleen, Stomach, and Kidney meridians, nourishing yin, moistening dryness, and replenishing qi. Together, they effectively alleviate dry throat, hoarseness, and other throat discomforts. Modern research suggests that the compound formed by olive polyphenols and pork ferritin may enhance throat mucosal repair.
Suitable for：Those with throat discomfort, dry/sore throat, or hoarseness Those who frequently stay up late or have irregular schedules Regular smokers Teachers, broadcasters, salespeople, and other professionals who overuse their voice Those experiencing dry mouth during autumn Generally suitable for most people in moderation
Not suitable for：Those with spleen-stomach deficiency cold: Green olives are slightly cool in nature; overconsumption may damage yang qi Those with excess stomach acid: The sour and astringent nature of olives may stimulate gastric acid secretion Those with yin deficiency and internal heat: May exacerbate symptoms Those with excess heat conditions (facial flushing, irritability, constipation, etc.) Those allergic to green olives or pork Those with diarrhea should consume with caution For pregnant women: May consume in moderation (2-3 times per week, no more than 200ml per serving). If experiencing cough or other symptoms, consult a physician before consuming.
