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Soups

Longan, Red Date and Coral Grass Sweet Soup

Traditionally used to nourish and moisturise skin from within

In short: Longan, Red Date and Coral Grass Sweet Soup is a soup that Traditionally used to nourish and moisturise skin from within. It is most often made for skin & natural beauty, oral & throat comfort, everyday balance. Total time about 15 hr 30 min. Key ingredients: longan flesh, red dates, rock sugar.

By · Published under our editorial policy · Research library

Prep
15 hr
Cook
30 min
Total
15 hr 30 min
Makes
3–4 servings
Skin & Natural BeautyOral & Throat ComfortEveryday Balance
Longan, Red Date and Coral Grass Sweet Soup

Why people make this sweet soup

Coral grass — a dried sea algae sometimes marketed as “sea bird’s nest” — has long been prized in traditional Cantonese food therapy for nourishing the skin. After soaking overnight with several changes of water to remove the sea smell, it expands into translucent, crisp pieces with a pleasant jellyfish-like texture. Simmered briefly with longan and red dates, the result is a dessert that is subtly sweet, gently restorative, and easy to prepare. The key is not to overcook the coral grass — much like jellyfish, it is best added at the very end of cooking so it retains its pleasant bite. Coral grass is available at Chinese or Asian grocers, or online.

What studies say about the key ingredients

Traditional use is not the same as clinical proof. Here is the strongest human research we found for each ingredient, limitations included.

  • Red dates · Meta-analysis, 483 participants · 2025
    Jujube was associated with significantly lower BMI and triglycerides, and lower fasting blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. LDL and total cholesterol fell only in some subgroups. HDL, AST and ALT did not change significantly.Limitation: The authors state the overall quality of the evidence is limited, and results varied significantly by dose, treatment duration and disease type.PubMed 40399274 · 3 more red dates studies

From the Nourilo Research Library. Findings come from specific doses, extracts and populations and may not apply to a home-cooked recipe.

Safety first — read before you cook

This is a traditional food, not a treatment. Please check with your doctor or pharmacist before making it a regular part of your diet if you:

  • are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are cooking for a young child;
  • take regular medicines — especially blood thinners, blood-pressure, diabetes or immune-suppressing drugs;
  • have a kidney, liver or heart condition, or a known food allergy.

Stop eating it and seek advice if you notice an allergic reaction or feel unwell. Safety notes reviewed 8 October 2026 · How we write safety notes

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