Ginkgo Nut, Tofu Skin & Foxnut Sweet Soup

Why people make this soup

Autumn dryness is notorious for causing that frustrating sensation of phlegm sitting in the throat — thick, sticky, impossible to cough up. This is especially common in older adults with weaker lung qi. Bro Niu recommends this sweet soup as a gentle, tasty approach to easing that discomfort. Chinese medicine has long linked a weak spleen with excess phlegm production: when the digestive system is not working efficiently, it tends to produce more “dampness” that manifests as phlegm. Foxnuts (qian shi) address this at the spleen level; ginkgo nuts address the lungs directly; and tofu skin provides a light, nourishing quality that clears autumn heat.

Who it suits / who should be cautious

• Suitable for most adults, children, and the elderly — described as appropriate for all ages
• Particularly helpful for those with persistent phlegm in the throat, wheezing, weak digestion with loose stools, or women with excess vaginal discharge
• IMPORTANT: Always remove the inner green core (embryo) from ginkgo nuts before use — it contains mildly toxic compounds
• Pregnant women should check with their doctor before using ginkgo nuts
• Early pregnancy: may drink this soup; if there is phlegm difficulty, add 1 piece of tangerine peel (chen pi) to the pot

Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)

• Ginkgo nuts (bai guo): Traditionally used to warm the lungs and calm wheezing, reduce phlegm, and support the kidney’s “gathering” function; helps with both respiratory and reproductive-system related damp conditions
• Foxnuts / Euryale seeds (qian shi): A gentle spleen-strengthening, damp-draining food; also traditionally associated with firming the kidneys and helping with digestive weakness and diarrhea
• Dried tofu skin (fu zhu): A protein-rich soy product; in food therapy considered nourishing, able to clear autumn heat and lung dryness while providing satiety

Ingredients (3–4 bowls)

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Ginkgo nuts (bai guo)	15 pieces	Shell, then remove the inner green core
Foxnuts / Euryale seeds (qian shi)	1 liang (~37 g)	Soak in cold water for 1–2 hours
Dried tofu skin (fu zhu)	1 sheet	Crumble into pieces
Rock sugar (bing tang)	To taste	Add at the end

Method

1. Shell the ginkgo nuts. Carefully split each one and remove the inner green embryo/core completely.
2. Soak the foxnuts in cold water for 1–2 hours to soften them slightly.
3. Crumble the dried tofu skin into rough pieces.
4. Place ginkgo nuts, foxnuts, and tofu skin into a pot with 7 bowls (approximately 1.75 litres) of water.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour.
6. Add rock sugar to taste; stir until dissolved.
7. Serve warm; eat the solid ingredients along with the broth.

Bro Niu’s tips

The ginkgo core must always come out before cooking — this is essential, not optional, as it contains mildly toxic compounds. Beyond its use for phlegm and coughing, this sweet soup also traditionally supports women with excess vaginal discharge, men with spermatorrhoea, and anyone with a weak spleen causing diarrhea. Ginkgo nuts go mouldy very quickly; once purchased, shell them, remove the cores, portion them into small bags, and store in the freezer for easy use.

Community questions answered (selected)

• Q (Emma): Is this sweet soup safe to drink during early pregnancy? I have a cough and phlegm that I cannot cough out. Bro Niu: You can drink this during early pregnancy. If the phlegm is difficult to expel, add one piece of tangerine peel (chen pi) to the pot.

• Q (Bobby): I stored ginkgo nuts and noticed some mould on the shells. If the inside looks fine, can I still use them? Bro Niu: Ginkgo nuts go mouldy very easily. Once the shell is mouldy the inside has likely already been contaminated, even if you cannot see it. Discard and do not use. For future storage, shell them, remove the cores, and store in small portions in the freezer.

• Q (June): I have been having runny nose, throat with a strange feeling like something is stuck, but no cough. I also keep dreaming at night. Is this soup suitable? Bro Niu: For phlegm blocking the throat and poor sleep, try ban xia, fu ling, bai zhu 3 qian each, bai he 1 liang, chen pi 2 qian, red dates 5 pieces, simmered in 5 bowls of water down to 2 bowls. This helps clear phlegm and calm the mind.

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Published September 9, 2019 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 3 min read.