Soups
Kudzu Root Red Jujube Lean Pork Soup
traditionally supports healthy blood pressure and relieves neck and shoulder tension
Why people make this soup
Kudzu root — known as fen ge in Cantonese and ge gen in Chinese herbal medicine — is one of those ingredients that straddles the kitchen and the herb cabinet. Modern research on kudzu root has identified flavonoid compounds — notably puerarin and daidzein — that are associated with dilating coronary and cerebral blood vessels, reducing vascular resistance, and supporting healthy blood-oxygen balance. These findings align neatly with its long traditional use for people with high blood pressure. Fresh kudzu root is available at Chinese or Asian grocers and some health food stores. Paired with warming ginger and nourishing jujube, the soup becomes genuinely mild once well-cooked and is safe for the whole family.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Suits: people looking to support healthy blood pressure; those with stiff neck, shoulder tension, or that dull, tense feeling at the top of the back; people recovering from a cold who feel body aches; the whole family as a general wellness soup
- Cautions: people with low blood pressure should avoid this soup (kudzu root can lower blood pressure further). Do not stop or reduce any prescribed blood pressure medications because of dietary changes — please see your doctor.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Kudzu root (fen ge / ge gen, Pueraria montana): Sweet and cool; traditionally associated with releasing muscle tension (especially neck and shoulders), easing thirst and fever, and supporting healthy blood pressure. Modern research identifies puerarin and daidzein flavonoids that may support coronary and cerebral circulation.
- Red jujube (hong zao): Warm and sweet; classically used to nourish blood, support the spleen, and calm the spirit. Balances the cooling nature of the kudzu root.
- Fresh ginger: Warming; counteracts the cool-to-neutral nature of kudzu; important for making the soup gentle on the digestion, especially in damp or cool weather.
- Lean pork: Provides a mild, savory base; contributes protein without excessive fat.
Ingredients (4 bowls / serves 3–4)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Kudzu root (fen ge) | 600 g | Peel and cut into chunks |
| Red jujube (pitted) | 6 pieces | |
| Fresh ginger | 2 slices | |
| Lean pork | 300 g | Blanch briefly in boiling water before using |
| Water | 8 bowls (~1.4 L) |
Method
- Peel the kudzu root, removing the outer skin; cut into medium chunks and rinse.
- Pit the red jujubes.
- Blanch the lean pork in a pot of boiling water for a minute or two; drain and rinse (this removes impurities and excess fat, keeping the soup clean and clear).
- Place all ingredients — kudzu root, jujubes, ginger, and blanched pork — into a soup pot with 8 bowls of water.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer and cook for 2 hours until the liquid reduces to about 4 bowls.
- Serve with the soup and solid ingredients together.
Bro Niu’s tips
This soup is mild and family-friendly — suitable for young and old alike. During a cold, it is particularly helpful for relieving the tight, tense feeling in the neck and shoulder muscles. As long as the soup is cooked for the full 2 hours, kudzu root loses its slightly cool nature and becomes neutral and easy to digest. One caveat: if your blood pressure tends to run low, choose a different soup instead — fen ge is specifically associated with lowering blood pressure.
Community questions answered (selected)
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Q (kankaraku): How many milliliters is “one bowl” in your recipes? Bro Niu: One bowl in my recipes is approximately 180 ml.
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Q (pm4yan): Can an elderly person who has had a stroke drink this kudzu red jujube pork soup? Bro Niu: Yes, someone who has previously had a stroke can drink this soup — it is appropriate and supportive.
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Q (Becky): I have low blood pressure and a fast heartbeat. Can I drink this soup, or is there something else? Bro Niu: Low blood pressure with a fast heartbeat should be evaluated by a doctor. This soup is not suitable for you as kudzu root lowers blood pressure. Instead, try codonopsis (dang shen) 3 qian, toasted rice, longan flesh 10 pieces, and nan jujubes 6 pieces, simmered in 5 bowls of water to 2 bowls, three times a week — that is more appropriate for you.
Published April 22, 2013 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 3 min read.
