Soups
Adenophora, Solomon's Seal, Apple & Pear Lean Pork Soup
traditionally used to nourish yin, moisten the lungs, and relieve dry throat and dry cough
Why people make this soup
Sometimes the body feels like it just needs moisture — a dry, scratchy throat, thirst that water does not quite quench, or a lingering sense of inner heat after illness. In Cantonese food therapy, this kind of dryness is classically addressed with yin-nourishing ingredients. Fresh Solomon’s seal (yu zhu), when in season, is gently fragrant and plump, and pairs naturally with throat-soothing adenophora root, two kinds of sweet seasonal fruit, and lean pork. The result is a delicately sweet, clean-tasting soup that is particularly welcome during the dry autumn months.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Especially well suited for those with a yin-deficient constitution — prone to dry mouth, thirst, afternoon warmth, and dry skin
- Helpful for anyone recovering from an illness where the body’s fluids were depleted
- Those with diabetes may find this soup particularly interesting, as Solomon’s seal (yu zhu) is traditionally associated with supporting healthy blood sugar levels
- Not suitable during an active cold or fever — wait until recovery before drinking this soup
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Adenophora root (sha shen): A key yin-nourishing herb in classical Chinese herbalism, used for centuries to address dryness of the lungs and throat. It has a mild, pleasant flavour and is considered gentle and food-safe.
- Solomon’s seal (yu zhu): Traditionally prized for its ability to nourish yin, moisten the lungs, and support the stomach. Modern research suggests it may have a role in supporting blood sugar regulation, which is why Bro Niu recommends it as a regular addition for those watching their blood sugar.
- Apple and Asian pear: Both fruits are considered cooling and moistening in Cantonese food culture — they contribute natural sweetness, fibre, and additional moisture to the broth, making the soup pleasant and naturally flavoured without added sugar.
- Red dates (hong zao): Gently support blood and energy; their natural sweetness rounds out the broth.
- Lean pork: Provides protein and body to the soup without making it greasy.
Ingredients (3–4 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Adenophora root (sha shen) | ~19 g (5 qian) | Soak and rinse before use |
| Solomon’s seal (yu zhu) — fresh | ~75 g (2 liang) | Peel and slice; or use dried 5 qian instead |
| Apple | 1 | Scrub skin, core, and cut into wedges |
| Asian pear | 2 | Scrub skin, core, and cut into wedges |
| Lean pork | ~300 g | Slice and blanch in boiling water |
| Red dates | 4 pieces | Remove pits |
Method
- Soak and rinse adenophora root. If using fresh Solomon’s seal, peel and slice into pieces; if dried, soak briefly and rinse.
- Scrub apple and pears clean; core and cut into wedges. No need to peel.
- Slice lean pork and blanch in boiling water for 2 minutes to remove impurities; drain and rinse.
- Place all ingredients into a pot with 8 bowls of water (approximately 1.6 litres).
- Bring to a full boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1.5 hours.
- Serve warm — drink the broth and eat the soup ingredients.
Bro Niu’s tips
This soup is wonderfully refreshing and naturally sweet — no added sugar needed. It is particularly suitable for those with a yin-deficient, heat-prone constitution who find rich or warming tonics hard to tolerate. For those managing blood sugar, making this soup a regular part of the weekly routine is a gentle and pleasant approach. A simple addition: if you would like added benefits for dampness and digestion, stir in 4 qian of poria mushroom (fu ling) and 1 liang of fresh pearl barley. This soup should not be drunk during a cold or fever.
Community questions answered (selected)
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Q (匿名访客): Can this soup be drunk during menstruation? And what can I add to help with dampness? Bro Niu: Yes, this soup can be drunk during menstruation. To help with dampness, you can add 4 qian of poria mushroom (fu ling) and 1 liang of pearl barley (yi mi) to the pot.
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Q (Annie): My relative is very yin-deficient and turns red in the eyes even from eating red dates — what should I use to nourish them gently? Bro Niu: For those who are yin-deficient and react easily to warming tonics, it is best to use neutral nourishing ingredients: adenophora (sha shen), Solomon’s seal (yu zhu), Chinese yam (huai shan), lotus seeds (lian zi), lily bulbs (bai he), and snow fungus (xue er). You could try the standard Cantonese “clear and nourishing” (qing bu liang) soup or this very soup here — both are appropriate for such a constitution.
Published August 29, 2016 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 4 min read.
