Longdi Leaf, Apricot Kernel and Apple Soup

Why people make this soup

When the weather swings between warm and cool — as it does in early spring — coughs tend to linger long after a cold clears. Children especially struggle because they cannot cough up phlegm effectively, and a stubborn rattling cough wears out the whole family. This gently sweet soup is a Hong Kong staple for those situations. Longdi leaf (a common fresh herb in Cantonese kitchens, available at Chinese or Asian grocers) is well known in Cantonese food therapy for breaking up phlegm, while apricot kernels moisten and support the lungs. Adding apple not only makes the flavor more appealing to children, but also contributes its own moistening quality.