Soups
Agaricus Mushroom, Goji Berry, and Chayote Pork Rib Soup
Traditionally used to strengthen constitution, support immune function, and nourish liver and kidney
Why people make this soup
Agaricus blazei (known in Chinese as ji song rong) has a beautiful orange-gold colour and a rich, fragrant aroma. Unlike some of the stronger medicinal mushrooms, it is gentle enough that even people who tend to react poorly to tonifying herbs rarely have trouble with it. This makes it an excellent all-purpose immune-supporting soup ingredient. The mushroom’s polysaccharide compounds have attracted scientific interest for their potential anti-tumour and immune-modulating properties. Combined with goji berries — a household name in Chinese wellness cooking — and chayote, one of the most nutritionally complete vegetables in the squash family and available year-round in Chinese markets, this is an everyday soup that is as practical as it is flavourful. It is particularly well-suited to periods when viral illness is circulating and families want a simple, reliable way to support their collective constitution.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Suitable for the whole family, including children and elderly. An excellent everyday immune-support soup.
- Vegetarians and vegans can substitute the pork ribs with cashews, chestnuts, or soybeans.
- No significant cautions for this soup. Agaricus blazei is considered gentle even for those who do not tolerate stronger tonics.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Agaricus blazei (ji song rong): A rich source of beta-glucan polysaccharides associated in research with immune modulation and anti-tumour properties. In Chinese food therapy it is considered a food that replenishes vitality (fu zheng bu xu) and supports the immune system. Unlike some stronger mushrooms, it is very well tolerated.
- Goji berries (gou qi zi): Nourish liver and kidney yin, support eye health, and provide antioxidants. A universal wellness ingredient that pairs well with almost everything.
- Chayote (he zhang gua): Sometimes called “Buddha’s hand squash” in Chinese. Available all year round, very mild in flavour, and considered one of the most nutritionally complete of the gourd vegetables. Suitable for young and old alike.
- Pork spare ribs: Provide body and richness to the broth, adding collagen and protein.
Ingredients (4 bowls, serves 3–4)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dried Agaricus blazei (ji song rong) | 5 qian (~19 g) | Rinse and soak briefly |
| Goji berries (gou qi zi) | 3 qian (~11 g) | Rinse briefly |
| Chayote (he zhang gua) | 2 fruits | Peel and cut into chunks |
| Fresh ginger | 3 slices | — |
| Pork spare ribs | 450 g (~12 liang) | Blanch in boiling water first; drain |
| Water | 7 bowls (approx. 1.75 litres) | — |
Method
- Rinse the agaricus mushroom and goji berries; soak the mushroom briefly in cool water to rehydrate, then drain.
- Peel the chayote and cut into large chunks.
- Blanch the pork ribs in boiling water to remove impurities; drain and set aside.
- Place all ingredients into a pot with 7 bowls of water.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer.
- Cook for 1 hour until liquid reduces to approximately 4 bowls.
- Serve the soup and eat the solid ingredients together.
Bro Niu’s tips
Agaricus blazei has a delicate, pleasant fragrance and I find it has very little bitterness — if anything it adds a lovely depth to the broth. It is found in Chinese herbal medicine shops and some specialty health stores. Since this mushroom contains large amounts of polysaccharides associated with anti-cancer properties, it makes an excellent regular wellness soup ingredient, not just for those managing illness but for the whole family. If you prefer a vegetarian version, simply replace the pork with a good handful of cashews or chestnuts — they give the broth a lovely body.
Community questions answered (selected)
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Q (匿名访客): Can I use red dates and south jujube together in the same soup? Bro Niu: No problem at all — you can put both types of dates in together.
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Q (匿名访客): Can a vegetarian make this soup? What can substitute for the meat? Bro Niu: Vegetarians can use cashews, chestnuts, or soybeans in place of the pork.
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Q (匿名访客): Does agaricus mushroom have a slightly bitter flavour? Bro Niu: Agaricus blazei has a clean, fragrant aroma — I don’t find it particularly bitter at all.
Published December 22, 2020 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 3 min read.
