Longan, Lotus Seed & Tremella Soup

Main Ingredients

• Dried snow fungus (Tremella) 1 piece
• Dried lotus seeds 30g
• Dried longan (arillus) 30g
• Rock sugar 60g
• Goji berries 10g
• Red dates 6pieces
• Water 1800ml

Steps

1. Tremella: Place dried tremella in a large bowl with plenty of cold water (never hot water, which destroys the gelatin structure). Soak for 2-3 hours (or refrigerated overnight) until fully expanded to 3-4 times its original size. Remove the hard yellow stem and tear the tremella into fingernail-sized pieces (the smaller the pieces, the greater the surface area for gelatin release). Rinse once more and drain. Lotus seeds: Rinse twice and soak in cold water for 1-2 hours. If using bitter-core lotus seeds, remove the green plumule to reduce bitterness. Longan: Soak briefly in warm water for 5 minutes to soften, then drain. Red dates: Wash and remove the pits (pits are drying in nature; removing them results in a purer taste). Cut in half or slice to release flavor. Goji berries: Rinse briefly and drain.

   

2. Place the shredded tremella into a clay pot or stainless steel pot (avoid iron pots). Add approximately 1500ml of water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low heat (maintain a gentle simmer) , cover, and cook for about 40-50 minutes. During this time, stir vigorously in one direction for 15-20 seconds every 10 minutes (stirring increases friction and collision between tremella pieces, accelerating gelatin release – this is the core secret to achieving a thick, rich texture).

   

3. When the soup has visibly thickened and gelatin begins to emerge, add the soaked lotus seeds and pitted red dates. Continue simmering over low heat for about 20-25 minutes until the lotus seeds are soft, powdery, and can be easily pinched apart with chopsticks.

   

4. Add the longan and goji berries to the pot and continue simmering over low heat for about 8-10 minutes.

   

5. Add rock sugar and stir gently until fully dissolved, then turn off the heat. Sugar must be added at the final stage – adding it too early increases osmotic pressure, drawing water out of the tremella and preventing full gelatin release, compromising the final texture. After turning off the heat, let it rest, covered, for 15-20 minutes. The residual heat will further release gelatin, making the soup even thicker and more translucent. Serve warm or chilled. Refrigerated leftovers will set into a jelly-like texture – equally delicious. Consume within 48 hours.

   

TCM Notes

Tremella (snow fungus) : Rich in tremella polysaccharides, plant-based colloids, and 17 amino acids, known as the "poor man's bird's nest". Tremella polysaccharides offer significant moisturizing and antioxidant effects – enhancing skin elasticity and reducing wrinkles. They also form a protective layer on the respiratory mucosa, relieving dry coughs and throat irritation. Rich in vitamin D, it aids calcium absorption and bone health. Lotus seeds: Rich in calcium, phosphorus, potassium, and various alkaloids (liensinine, isoliensinine). These alkaloids have sedative, anti-arrhythmic effects. Raffinose in lotus seeds promotes the proliferation of beneficial gut bacteria and improves digestion. In TCM, they are known to "nourish the heart, calm the spirit, strengthen the spleen, stop diarrhea, and tonify the kidneys" – effectively relieving restlessness, insomnia, and frequent waking. Longan (dried arillus) : Rich in glucose, sucrose, tartaric acid, B vitamins, and iron (approx. 3.9mg per 100g). Longan tonifies the heart and spleen, nourishes blood, and calms the spirit – particularly effective for palpitations, poor memory, and insomnia caused by qi and blood deficiency. Its warm nature balances the slight coolness of tremella, making the overall soup neutral in nature. Red dates & Goji berries: Red dates tonify qi and nourish blood, rich in cyclic AMP (cAMP) that enhances myocardial contractility; goji berries are packed with polysaccharides and zeaxanthin for antioxidant and eye-protective benefits. The soup collectively provides synergistic benefits of moistening the lungs, nourishing the heart, calming the spirit, strengthening the spleen, tonifying the kidneys, and fighting aging. One serving (approx. 300ml) provides about 160-200 kcal (depending on sugar content), low in fat and sodium, rich in soluble dietary fiber.

Suitable for：Those suffering from chronic insomnia, restlessness, frequent waking, or neurasthenia Women with dry, inelastic, dull skin seeking beauty and skin-nourishing benefits Those with dry cough, throat irritation, or lung-yin deficiency in autumn/winter Office workers and students with high mental exertion, brain fatigue, or memory decline Those with qi and blood deficiency – pale complexion, palpitations, poor memory, light menstruation Middle-aged and elderly individuals as a daily wellness tonic for anti-aging and sleep improvement Those recovering from illness or in post-surgery convalescence needing gentle nourishment Vegetarians seeking high-quality plant-based colloids and trace minerals

Not suitable for：Diabetic patients: Longan and rock sugar are high in sugar (longan contains 60-70% sugar) – consumption will significantly raise blood glucose. Strict portion control or alternative sweeteners (erythritol, stevia) are required, under medical supervision Those with Excess-Heat constitution or Yin-deficiency with Fire-Excess: Symptoms include mouth ulcers, sore throat, dry stools, dark urine, red tongue with yellow coating – longan's warm nature may aggravate the heat Those with profuse phlegm or thick yellow sputum: Tremella moisturizes the lungs, which is effective for dry cough, but may worsen dampness-related phlegm conditions Acute gastroenteritis, abdominal distension, or diarrhea: Lotus seeds have astringent properties, but longan's high sugar content may cause gas – not suitable during acute episodes Pregnant women (especially first trimester – use with caution) : Longan is warm in nature and traditionally believed to "disturb fetal qi". Avoid in early pregnancy; consult a doctor before consuming in later stages Those prone to recurrent mouth ulcers or easily experience "Shanghuo" (excessive internal heat) : Longan's warming nature may trigger or worsen these symptoms Those allergic to tremella, lotus seeds, longan, or goji berries