Rock Sugar Pear Water

Main Ingredients

• Snow pear 2 pieces
• Rock sugar 40g
• Water 1200ml
• Goji berries 5g
• Red dates 5 pieces

Steps

1. Wash the snow pear thoroughly, scrubbing the skin with a little salt to remove wax and impurities. Peel and core the pear, and cut into approximately 2-3cm chunks. Do not discard the pear skin – it can be added to the pot together (remove after cooking). Pear skin is rich in dietary fiber and nutrients, and also has cough-relieving properties.

   

2. Place the cut pear chunks (and pear skin if retained) into a clay pot or stainless steel pot (avoid iron pots). Add approximately 800-1200ml of water. Add rock sugar. Old rock sugar (yellow rock sugar) is more effective with its slightly yellow color and rough texture. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low heat and simmer for 20-30 minutes until the pear becomes translucent and soft.

   

3. Add goji berries 5 minutes before turning off the heat. For a richer flavor, let it rest, covered, for 5-10 minutes after turning off the heat. Serve warm or chilled.

   

TCM Notes

Snow pear: Sweet and slightly sour in taste, cool in nature, acts on the Lung and Stomach meridians. Per 100g, snow pear contains approximately 85-90% water and is rich in fructose, glucose, malic acid, citric acid, vitamin C, vitamin B₁, vitamin B₂, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, and iron. The glycosides and tannins in snow pear help expel phlegm, relieve coughs, and soothe the throat. In TCM, snow pear is known to clear heat, promote fluid production, moisten dryness, transform phlegm, and moisten the lungs to stop coughs. It is effective for lung-heat coughs, sore dry throats, and constipation. Modern research also shows that the dietary fiber in pears helps lower cholesterol and promote intestinal health. Rock sugar: Neutral in nature, sweet in taste, acts on the Spleen and Lung meridians. It tonifies the middle, harmonizes the stomach, moistens the lungs, and stops coughs. Rock sugar is neutral and not drying – when combined with snow pear, it enhances the lung-moistening and cough-relieving effects while moderating the cool nature of pear. This sweet soup is moderate in calories (approximately 80-120 kcal per bowl), low in fat and sodium, and rich in water and soluble dietary fiber – a natural moisturizing beverage.

Suitable for：Those with wind-heat colds or lung-heat coughs: Symptoms include cough with thick yellow phlegm, sore throat, and dry mouth Those with lung-dryness dry cough or dry throat with hoarseness: Especially during dry autumn/winter seasons or for those living in air-conditioned or heated environments Those with Yin deficiency and fire excess: Symptoms include dry mouth and throat, feverish palms and soles, and night sweats Those who overuse their voice: Such as teachers, singers, broadcasters, and salespeople Those who smoke/drink excessively or have internal heat from staying up late General population as a daily moisturizing drink, especially suitable for dry seasons

Not suitable for：Those with wind-cold cough: Symptoms include cough with thin white phlegm, clear nasal discharge, chills, and absence of sweating – strictly avoid Those with Spleen-Stomach deficiency cold: Those with abdominal pain, cold sensitivity, loose stools, or poor digestion – should not consume in excess Those with exuberant phlegm-dampness or cough with copious clear phlegm: Pear is cool in nature; excessive consumption may worsen dampness and cold Diabetic patients: Both rock sugar and pear contain sugar; intake must be strictly controlled or under medical supervision During diarrhea: Pear has a laxative effect; consuming during diarrhea may worsen symptoms Pregnant women (with cold constitution) : Those with cold limbs and loose stools should consume with caution Menstruating women (with cold constitution) : Avoid excessive consumption of cold-nature foods Those allergic to snow pear or any of the ingredients