Fresh Chinese Yam and Gorgon Seed Pork Bone Soup

Why people make this soup

Gorgon seeds sold in Chinese herbal shops are usually dark red or blackish-brown. In traditional food therapy they are used to strengthen the spleen, help with diarrhoea, support the kidneys and preserve essence, and are traditionally associated with concerns such as aching knees and lower back, involuntary urination and loose stools.

Nourilo came across fresh gorgon seeds at a farm-direct shop — white, peeled and sold in 50 g packs. They can be used for congee and sweet soups, but are especially good in savoury soup. Today he pairs them with fresh Chinese yam, carrot, corn and red dates in a pork-bone soup traditionally used to strengthen the spleen, support the kidneys and build up the body. It is especially suited to summer, when eating too much cold food and drinking iced drinks is traditionally thought to weaken digestive function.