Cordyceps Flower, Fresh Yam, Goji Berry, and Mallard Duck Soup

Why people make this soup

Rotavirus and norovirus — highly contagious viral gastroenteritis infections — are a persistent worry for families with young children, especially in winter. There are no specific antiviral treatments; once infected, all you can do is manage symptoms. The best protection is prevention: good hygiene, thorough handwashing before touching food, and building a robust, resilient constitution. This soup is Nourilo’s recommendation for strengthening the body’s natural defences, for children and adults alike. Mallard duck (water duck) is nourishing but not drying or heating — an ideal base for a tonic soup that the whole family, including young children, can enjoy regularly.

Method

1. Clean the mallard duck, chop into large pieces, and blanch in boiling water for a few minutes to remove impurities; drain and set aside.
2. Soak and rinse the cordyceps flower. Peel and chop the yam. Rinse goji berries and pit the red dates.
3. Combine all ingredients in a large pot with 3 L of water.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 2 hours until the liquid reduces to 1.2–1.5 L.
5. Serve warm; eat the softened solids along with the broth.

Nourilo’s Tips

Mallard duck can be found at large frozen meat shops. Farmed water duck tends to be smaller, so add a little lean pork to give the soup more flavour. If goji berries are unavailable, lotus seeds or lily bulbs make good substitutes — both are nourishing and suitable for children. Infants from 15 months can have half 300 ml of this soup. For families wanting a lighter version, lean pork alone works well as the protein base.