Soups
Loquat and Snow Fungus Soup
Loquat and Snow Fungus Soup is a classic nourishing sweet soup for lung health. Loquat is known as the "king of fruits" – the Compendium of Materia Medica records that it "stops coughs, descends qi, and benefits lung qi". Snow fungus, often called "poor man's bird's nest," is rich in natural plant-based colloids. Slowly simmered together, the snow fungus becomes thick and silky, while the loquat remains sweet and juicy. The soup is clear with a slight golden tint, sweet and refreshing, offering the benefits of moistening the lungs, relieving coughs, nourishing yin, benefiting the stomach, clearing heat, promoting fluid production, and beautifying the skin. Total cooking time is about 1-2 hours – an ideal wellness treat for dry spring/autumn seasons and summer heat relief.
Main Ingredients
- Fresh loquat 300g
- Dried snow fungus (Tremella) 30g
- Rock sugar 30g
- Goji berries 5g
- Water 1000ml
Steps
Soak snow fungus in cold water for 2 hours, remove the stem, tear into small pieces.
Add water to a pot, bring to a boil with the snow fungus, then reduce to low heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes until soft and sticky.
Add the prepared loquat pieces and rock sugar, and continue simmering for 15-20 minutes.
TCM Notes
Loquat: Rich in protein, fat, carbohydrates, crude fiber, calcium, phosphorus, iron, and carotene. Known to relieve coughs and expel phlegm, treat various coughs. The fruit and leaves have flu virus-inhibiting effects and can help prevent seasonal colds. Rich in nutrients that supplement the body and boost disease resistance. Contains amygdalin and other compounds that suppress the cough center, providing auxiliary relief for wind-heat coughs or dry coughs without phlegm. Snow fungus (Tremella) : Enhances liver detoxification and protects the liver; has therapeutic effects on chronic bronchitis and pulmonary heart disease in the elderly; rich in vitamin D, which prevents calcium loss and benefits growth and development; rich in selenium and other trace elements that enhance anti-tumor immunity; rich in natural plant-based colloids with nourishing yin effects – long-term consumption moisturizes the skin and helps remove chloasma and freckles; active polysaccharides boost immunity, stimulate lymphocytes, enhance white blood cell phagocytosis, and excite bone marrow hematopoietic function. Rock sugar: Neutral in nature and sweet in taste, acts on the Spleen and Lung meridians – tonifies the middle, moistens the lungs, and relieves coughs. Together, they achieve the effects of moistening the lungs, relieving coughs, nourishing yin, benefiting the stomach, clearing heat, promoting fluid production, beautifying the skin, and boosting immunity. One serving (approx. 300ml) provides approximately 53.3 kcal, 0.9g protein, 0.2g fat, 1.9g dietary fiber, and 11.1g carbohydrates.
Suitable for：Those with lung-dryness cough, dry cough with little phlegm, or dry itchy throat Those with insufficient body fluids, dry mouth, or summer-heat thirst Those who overuse their voice (teachers, broadcasters, singers, etc.) Those with dry skin or seeking beauty and skin-nourishing benefits Those with low immunity or weak constitution Those with Yin deficiency and fire excess who cannot tolerate warm tonics like ginseng General population as a daily moisturizing wellness dessert
Not suitable for：Those with wind-cold cough: Symptoms include cough with thin white phlegm, clear nasal discharge, and chills – should avoid Those with Spleen-Stomach deficiency cold or loose stools: Excessive loquat consumption may promote dampness and phlegm – those with spleen deficiency and diarrhea should avoid Those with cold constitution: Should not overconsume to avoid gastrointestinal discomfort Diabetic patients: Strictly control rock sugar intake to avoid blood sugar spikes Those with excessive phlegm-dampness or cough with thick yellow phlegm: Should not overconsume Those allergic to snow fungus or loquat: Should avoid consumption Pregnant and breastfeeding women: Consult a physician before consumption
