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

Why people make this soup

Bro Niu 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.

Who it suits / who should be cautious

• Suitable for most adults and children as an everyday wellness soup; particularly well suited to those undergoing or recovering from cancer treatment
• During treatment, drinking this soup regularly and eating the asparagus and goji berries (not just the broth) is encouraged
• Gout sufferers must avoid this soup — both asparagus and mushrooms are high in purines, which can exacerbate uric acid accumulation
• Do not use canned asparagus; the high sodium content offsets the benefits

Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)

• Agaricus blazei mushroom (ji song rong): Contains high concentrations of beta-glucan polysaccharides. Traditionally and in preliminary research, associated with stimulating immune function, supporting the body’s response to abnormal cell activity, and complementing the effect of chemotherapy agents.
• Asparagus (lu sun): Traditionally called “the king of cancer-fighting vegetables” in Chinese food therapy. Rich in selenium, folate and glutathione. Preliminary studies have explored its potential to inhibit abnormal cell replication. The most nutritionally valuable part of fresh asparagus is the tightly closed green tip — look for firm, bright green spears with compact heads.
• Goji berries (gou qi zi): Associated in traditional medicine with protecting the liver, nourishing the kidneys and blood, and — specifically during cancer treatment — supporting the bone marrow and protecting white blood cell counts.
• Lean pork: Provides protein and makes the soup satisfying enough to eat as a meal.
• Fresh ginger: Helps settle the stomach and reduces nausea, which is particularly welcome for those dealing with treatment side effects.

Ingredients (2–3 bowls)

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Agaricus blazei mushroom (ji song rong)	19 g	Rinse; soak briefly if needed; use the soaking water too
Fresh asparagus	150 g	Rinse; cut into sections; choose firm green spears with tight tips
Goji berries (gou qi zi)	9 g	Rinse briefly
Fresh ginger	3 slices
Lean pork	225 g	Sliced; briefly blanched
Water	6 bowls (approx. 1.5 litres)

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 6 bowls of water.
5. Bring to the boil over high heat, then reduce to a medium simmer for 30 minutes until reduced to 2–3 bowls.
6. Serve; drink the soup and eat the asparagus, mushrooms and goji berries — these contain the most beneficial compounds.

Bro Niu’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.

Community questions answered (selected)

• Q (jo..ch): My father has a tumour and is on oral chemotherapy. He has poor appetite and sleep. Can I make agaricus mushroom, monkey head mushroom and cordyceps flower braised with pork? Bro Niu: Yes. Use 6 pieces of agaricus mushroom, 2 pieces of monkey head mushroom (hou tou gu), 5 qian of cordyceps flower (chong cao hua), 2 qian of goji berries and 1 liang of lily bulb, braised with pork shank. Make sure your father eats the mushrooms, cordyceps flower and goji berries — not just the broth — as these contain the most beneficial compounds.

• Q (Kim): I have just been confirmed with breast cancer Stage 2 and will start chemotherapy soon. Can I drink this soup now? Bro Niu: Yes, start now. In addition, consider taking spirulina supplements (luo xuan zao wang) available at health stores — they have a traditional reputation for anti-cancer support. Avoid foods high in hormones (large commercially raised poultry, fatty meats), and cut sugar and cow’s milk as much as possible. Turmeric tea (jiang huang) in the morning may also help inhibit cancer cell activity.

• Q (Lau841): Is it better to add agaricus mushrooms or not? My mother is weak. Bro Niu: You can add them — the main concern was sensitivity to mushrooms, but if your mother has no known intolerance, agaricus mushrooms will make the soup more effective. Eat the asparagus and goji berries in the soup — especially the asparagus tips, which are the most potent part.

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Published December 10, 2017 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 4 min read.