Agaricus Mushroom (Ji Song Rong), Asparagus and Goji Berry Pork Soup

Why people make this soup

Nourilo formulated this soup specifically for people going through chemotherapy or radiotherapy — a period when appetite drops, fatigue is constant and the body is under enormous stress. The ingredients in this soup were chosen because each has a distinct traditional food-therapy rationale, and increasingly, preliminary scientific research has begun to validate some of these traditional uses.

Agaricus blazei mushroom (ji song rong) is prized in Asia for its polysaccharide content. Its beta-glucan concentration is reported to be significantly higher than that of lingzhi (reishi) — it may help support the immune system’s ability to recognise and respond to abnormal cells, and there is some preliminary research into its effects on immune function during cancer treatment. Asparagus has long been called the “king of anti-cancer vegetables” in Chinese food therapy: it is rich in selenium, asparagine and other compounds associated with cell regulation. Goji berries (gou qi zi) are associated in traditional medicine with supporting white blood cell production and protecting bone marrow function during treatment.

This is not a difficult or exotic soup to make — it is quick, mild and genuinely delicious as a lunch broth.

Method

1. Rinse the agaricus mushrooms. Rinse the goji berries.
2. Rinse the asparagus and cut into sections.
3. Slice the lean pork and briefly blanch in boiling water to remove impurities. Drain.
4. Combine all ingredients in a pot with 1.8 L of water.
5. Bring to the boil over high heat, then reduce to a medium simmer for 30 minutes until reduced to 600–900 ml.
6. Serve; drink the soup and eat the asparagus, mushrooms and goji berries — these contain the most beneficial compounds.

Nourilo’s Tips

Fresh asparagus quality is not about size — bigger is not better. What matters is that the green tips are tightly closed and the spear is firm and crisp. The most concentrated nutrients sit in the top half of the spear, so use the whole stalk but pay particular attention to the tips. Gout sufferers should avoid this soup entirely. For everyone else, this is an easy, tasty and nourishing everyday soup that can also serve as a base for a noodle or rice lunch.