Green Papaya, Moth Bean, Peanut and Fig Soup

Why people make this soup

Breastfeeding is widely recognized to benefit both baby and mother — boosting the infant’s immune response, deepening the mother-child bond, and reducing the risk of postnatal depression. Yet many new mothers find their milk supply falls short, often due to insufficient infant suckling, exhaustion, or stress and anxiety. In Cantonese food therapy, green (unripe) papaya has long been the go-to ingredient for encouraging milk production, as its naturally occurring enzymes are thought to support mammary gland activity. Paired with moth beans, peanuts, and dried figs — all traditionally used to nourish and enrich milk — this gentle, pleasant-tasting soup is a warm, practical gift for new mothers.