Herbal Teas
Pumpkin & Black Soybean Milk
Pumpkin & Black Soybean Milk is a nourishing homemade beverage that perfectly blends the natural sweetness of pumpkin with the rich, mellow flavor of black soybeans. Black soybeans, known as the “king of beans,” are rich in high-quality plant protein, anthocyanins, and soy isoflavones. Pumpkin is rich in β-carotene, pectin, and potassium. When blended together, no additional sugar is needed – the drink is naturally sweet, smooth, and creamy, with a warm brownish-yellow color. This beverage offers the benefits of nourishing the kidneys, strengthening the spleen and stomach, supporting eye health, and promoting bowel movements – especially suitable as a breakfast or daily wellness drink in autumn and winter.
Main Ingredients
- Black soybeans 50g
- Pumpkin 100-150g
- Water 800-1000ml
- Rock sugar or white sugar to taste
Steps
Soak 50g of black soybeans in water for 6-8 hours (or overnight) until fully expanded and skins slightly split. Remove any bad beans and rinse. Peel and deseed 100-150g of pumpkin, cut into 2-3cm chunks.
Put the soaked black soybeans and pumpkin chunks into a soy milk maker or high-speed blender. Add 800-1000ml of water (to the middle water line). Select the “five-grain soy milk” or “soy milk” mode and start. Wait about 20-25 minutes until the program completes.
Strain through a fine sieve for a smoother texture if desired. Pumpkin provides natural sweetness, so no additional sugar is generally needed. Add rock sugar or white sugar to taste if preferred. Drink warm, 1 cup (about 250-300ml) daily.
TCM Notes
Black Soybeans: Contain approximately 36g protein and 10.2g dietary fiber per 100g. Rich in anthocyanins, soy isoflavones, vitamin E, and minerals including calcium, iron, and zinc. Black soybeans are known for nourishing the kidneys, invigorating blood, and promoting diuresis. Black soybean milk has a purine content of approximately 6.74-8.76 mg/100g, classified as a low-purine food. Pumpkin: Contains approximately 15g carbohydrates, 3.1mg β-carotene, and 145mg potassium per 100g of old pumpkin. Rich in pectin, which protects the gastric mucosa, promotes ulcer healing, and aids digestion. β-Carotene converts to vitamin A in the body, supporting eye health and enhancing mucosal cell resistance. Synergistic Effect: Black soybeans nourish the kidneys while pumpkin strengthens the spleen – together they regulate both organs. Pumpkin's natural sweetness balances the slight astringency of black soybeans, making the drink naturally sweet without added sugar. Total approx. 150-200 kcal (unsweetened), 10-12g protein – a high-protein, moderate-carbohydrate wellness beverage.
Suitable for：Those needing kidney nourishment and hair health support Those with weak spleen and stomach, or poor digestion (pumpkin pectin protects the gastric mucosa) Those with eye strain and visual fatigue (β-carotene supports eye health) Those with constipation (both black soybeans and pumpkin are rich in dietary fiber) General population for autumn-winter wellness and breakfast pairing
Not suitable for：Acute gout / hyperuricemia patients: Dry black soybeans are high in purine (170-300mg/100g), but purine content drops significantly after processing into milk. Avoid during acute flare-ups; consume sparingly during remission Diabetes patients: Pumpkin has a high glycemic index (GI up to 75), especially old pumpkin. Control portion size and reduce staple food intake accordingly Those with renal insufficiency: Pumpkin is high in potassium and black soybeans contain plant protein; portion size must be under medical guidance Those with weak digestion, prone to bloating or acid reflux: Both black soybeans and pumpkin are gas-producing foods; combined, they may cause bloating and acid reflux in those with weak digestion Those with heavy dampness or excessive phlegm: Pumpkin is rich and cloying; daily excessive consumption may worsen phlegm Those allergic to black soybeans or pumpkin Infants and young children: Digestive systems are delicate; soy milk may cause bloating. Small amounts only
