Black Moss, Dried Oyster, Shiitake and Lean Pork Soup

Why people make this soup

High blood pressure and constipation are two common troubles of later life — and constipation can itself push blood pressure up. Nourilo notes that most age-related constipation is not from internal heat but from the natural decline of qi and blood with age, so the gentlest approach is to nourish essence and blood while softly easing the bowel. This soup of black moss, dried oyster, shiitake and lean pork is traditionally associated with exactly that, plus support for healthy blood pressure.

Method

1. Soak the shiitake until soft and remove the stems. Soak and rinse the black moss.
2. Soak and rinse the dried oysters, then pan-fry them in a little oil until fragrant.
3. Blanch the lean pork.
4. Put everything in a pot with 2.4 L of water and simmer down to about 900 ml. Drink the soup and eat the ingredients.

Nourilo’s Tips

There is a lot of fake black moss on the market, so buy from a reputable old shop even if it costs a little more. If you would rather not use black moss, black wood-ear makes a fine substitute with the same bowel-moistening quality. Dried mussels (dan cai) can stand in for the dried oysters.