Five-Seeds Soup

Why people make this soup

Some new mothers find that after childbirth they get lower-back aches, bone soreness, frequent night urination, or a dull complexion — what tradition describes as liver-and-kidney depletion. This “Five-Seeds Soup” uses five fruit-seeds and is traditionally valued to nourish the liver and kidneys, support the blood, and strengthen the lower back. Paired with pork kidney, the lower-back-supporting effect is considered stronger still.

Method

1. Soak and rinse the five seeds.
2. Cut away the white membrane from the pork kidney and soak it several times to remove any off-smell.
3. Put everything in a pot, add water, and simmer about 2 hours. Serve.

Nourilo’s Tips

This is also a soup used to support bone health. The pork kidney must have all its white membrane removed and be soaked several times, or it will smell off. If handling the kidney is a hassle, lean pork (zhu zhan) makes a fine substitute.