Loofah, Fresh Lotus Seed & Lean Pork Soup

Why people make this soup

When loofah (silk squash) is in season, Nourilo loves to buy a bunch — not just for cooking, but also for skincare. A small freshly cut slice rubbed gently on the skin has long been used in Chinese households as a natural moisturiser and brightener. The reason, as modern science confirms, is that loofah is rich in B-group vitamins that help slow skin ageing and vitamin C, which brightens the complexion. No wonder fresh loofah juice has been called “beauty water” for generations.

Fresh lotus seeds are another seasonal gem. They contain high levels of vitamin B1 and the mineral zinc, which supports brain health and helps regulate the nervous system. Traditional food therapy values them as a natural stress-reliever — particularly helpful for people who feel emotionally tense, have trouble sleeping, or experience mood fluctuations before their period.

Method

1. Peel the loofah and cut into rough chunks.
2. Rinse the fresh lotus seeds and remove the bitter green core from each one (split the seed gently and pull out the core with a toothpick or your fingernail).
3. Slice the lean pork.
4. Place all ingredients into a pot with 1.8 L of water.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cook for 30 minutes until it reduces to about 900 ml.
6. Serve; eat the solid ingredients along with the broth.

Nourilo’s Tips

Fresh lotus seeds are only available for a short season, so when you find them, buy extra and freeze them — they keep for several months in the freezer. The green core you remove from each lotus seed does not go to waste: steep the cores in hot water to make a small cup of lotus core tea. It has a pleasantly bitter taste and is traditionally associated with calming the heart and gently supporting healthy blood pressure.