Soups
Ripe Papaya, Snow Fungus, Sweet Almond & Goji Berry Sweet Soup
Traditionally associated with moistening the lungs, nourishing the skin, and easing dry throat and constipation
Why people make this sweet soup
Papaya is one of those rare fruits that is simultaneously accessible, plentiful in season, and genuinely nourishing. A beautifully ripe papaya makes an ideal base for this gentle dessert soup — a family favourite in cooler weather that has earned its place in the Cantonese food-therapy kitchen.
Snow fungus and papaya are a natural pairing in Cantonese sweet soups. Snow fungus (雪耳, xue er) has a silky, lightly gelatinous texture when cooked — very different from its dried, crispy appearance in the packet — and it creates a beautifully smooth, slightly thickened broth that feels genuinely nourishing. Combined with southern sweet almonds (the large, mild variety used in cooking, not the bitter medicinal kind) and a spoonful of goji berries, the result is a dessert soup that is elegant, easy to make, and good for you in every bowl.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Suitable for the whole family — adults, elderly, and older children
- Particularly helpful for those who work late nights, experience a dry or scratchy throat, have dry skin, or feel generally parched in the autumn months
- Good for those prone to mild constipation
- Pregnant women should substitute pear for papaya — the compounds in papaya may stimulate uterine contractions
- People with ovarian cysts (PCOS) can also drink this dessert soup
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Ripe papaya (shu mu gua / 熟木瓜): Sweet, gently cooling, and rich in vitamin A and digestive enzymes; in Chinese food therapy, classified as moistening the lungs, nourishing the skin, and supporting comfortable bowel movement
- Snow fungus (xue er / 雪耳; Tremella fuciformis): Sometimes called “the plant-based bird’s nest” for its similar gelatinous texture and collagen-like properties; in traditional Chinese medicine, associated with nourishing yin, moistening the lungs, and supporting skin moisture from within
- Sweet almonds (tian xing ren / 甜杏仁 / nan xing / 南杏): The large, mild southern almonds used in Cantonese cooking (distinct from bitter almonds); traditionally associated with moistening the lungs and easing dry coughs; also provide gentle fibre for the digestive system
- Goji berries (gou qi zi / 杞子): Add a natural tartness and colour; traditionally associated with nourishing the liver and kidneys and supporting eye health
- Rock sugar (bing tang / 冰糖): A natural sweetener preferred in Chinese cooking for its clean, gentle sweetness and its traditionally warming-neutral quality
Ingredients (3–4 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ripe papaya | 1 whole | Peel, remove seeds, and cut into chunks |
| Snow fungus (xue er), dried | ~9 g (3 qian) | Soak in cold water until fully expanded; remove and discard the firm base stem |
| Goji berries (gou qi zi) | 1 tablespoon | Rinse briefly |
| Sweet almonds (nan xing / southern almonds) | ~38 g | Soak in hot water briefly; peel the skin |
| Rock sugar | to taste | Add at the end |
| Water | 6 bowls |
Method
- Soak the dried snow fungus in cold water for 20–30 minutes until fully expanded and softened; remove and discard the hard, yellowish base stem; tear into smaller florets.
- Soak the sweet almonds in hot water for a few minutes, then peel the skin off each one.
- Peel the ripe papaya, remove all seeds, and cut the flesh into large chunks.
- Rinse the goji berries briefly.
- Place the snow fungus, sweet almonds, and papaya into a pot. Add 6 bowls of cold water.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer gently for 30 minutes.
- Add the goji berries and rock sugar in the final 5 minutes; stir until the sugar dissolves.
- Serve warm or at room temperature. Also delicious served slightly chilled.
Bro Niu’s tips
This dessert soup is naturally sweet and delightful — suitable for the whole family year-round, and especially good in autumn. The most important note is for pregnant women: papaya, whether green or ripe, should be avoided during pregnancy. If you are pregnant and craving this style of soup, simply substitute pear for the papaya — it gives a similar gentle sweetness and moistening quality without any concern. When buying sweet almonds, look for the large southern almonds (南杏仁) from Chinese herb shops — these are the mild, cooking variety, not the small bitter almonds used in different medicinal preparations.
Community questions answered (selected)
-
Q (Lisa): I’ve seen fresh lily bulbs at the shops. Can they be used in a sweet soup? How long should they be cooked? I’ve heard fresh lily bulbs should not be eaten — only dried ones are safe. Bro Niu: For everyday food-therapy purposes, fresh lily bulbs are perfectly fine — it is mainly when treating specific conditions that the dried variety is preferred. Fresh lily bulbs are wonderful in sweet soups: very flavourful and gently lung-moistening. Buy the large ones — they are a little pricier but less prone to spoilage. Simmer for just 15–20 minutes; if cooked too long they will dissolve entirely.
-
Q (Ada): Where can I buy sweet almonds? Can someone with ovarian cysts (PCOS) drink this? Bro Niu: The large southern almonds (南杏) sold at Chinese herb shops are ideal for this sweet soup. Someone with PCOS can certainly drink this sweet soup.
Published October 21, 2021 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 4 min read.
