Cordyceps Flower, Lotus Seed, Lily Bulb & Goji Berry Soup

Why people make this soup

Wild cordyceps sinensis — the original “caterpillar fungus” — is extraordinarily expensive, well beyond the reach of everyday households. But Cordyceps militaris, sold dried as “cordyceps flower” (chong cao hua), is a cultivated relative that shares many of the same nutritional characteristics and is widely available at a fraction of the price. Nourilo recommends this soup for any household where children catch colds easily, where adults feel their energy dipping, or where someone is dealing with recurring coughs, poor concentration, or tired eyes. It suits the whole family and can be made savoury (with lean meat or quail) or sweet (with a little rock sugar).