Dragon Tongue Leaf Apple Soup

Why people make this soup

Fresh dragon tongue leaf is a mild, easy-to-find herb available at Chinese or Asian grocers and online. Its gentle nature makes it well-suited for people dealing with lung-heat coughs, excess phlegm, dry mouth, or sluggish digestion. Unlike many herbal preparations, it has a light, pleasant flavour — not heavy or medicinal. Paired with sweet apple and carrot, it becomes a nourishing everyday soup that the whole household can enjoy.

Method

1. Rinse the dragon tongue leaf thoroughly under running water.
2. Peel the apple and carrot; cut into chunks. Core the apple.
3. Slice the lean pork and blanch in boiling water for 1–2 minutes; drain.
4. Combine all ingredients in a pot with 2.4 L of water.
5. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a medium simmer.
6. Cook for about 30 minutes until the liquid reduces to roughly 1.2 L.
7. Season lightly with salt if desired; serve warm.

Nourilo’s Tips

This soup has a light, mild flavour and is not heavily medicinal — young children take to it easily. It is suitable for the whole family, including pregnant women. For children coughing after a cold where it is unclear whether the cause is wind-cold or wind-heat, the key sign to look for is mild throat redness or irritation. If that is present, this soup fits the situation well. You can also add 8–10 xin yi hua (magnolia flower buds) toward the end of cooking (simmer for just 5 minutes) if nasal congestion or runny nose is also a concern.