Green Radish, Water Chestnut, Fig and Pork Shin Soup

Why people make this soup

In old-time China, rural homes burned coal bricks for heat in winter — and when windows were closed tight against the cold, the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning was very real. Villagers discovered that pouring green radish juice into a person’s mouth could help revive someone overcome by fumes, and that after recovery, sweetened fresh radish juice helped restore the person. Whether or not this particular folk use has been validated, it speaks to how deeply green radish has been trusted in Chinese culture for its clearing and detoxifying qualities. Today, Nourilo recommends this soup to anyone who cooks at home with a gas stove — a gentle way to keep the body’s internal heat in check. Combined with water chestnuts, figs, almonds, and pork shin in a long simmer, this becomes a warming, naturally sweet soup that is particularly comforting during the dry, heaty months, and a reliable go-to for sore throats, mouth sores, and heat-related dryness.