Soups
Papaya, Snow Fungus and Lean Pork Soup
Traditionally used to nourish yin, moisten dryness and support the skin
Why people make this soup
When papaya is in season, Bro Niu likes to put it to work. Ripe papaya is traditionally said to nourish yin, moisten dryness and bring a glow to the skin, while green papaya supports the spleen and stomach. Paired with snow fungus and figs in a lean pork soup, it comes out sweet and clear — just the thing for a dry season.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- The whole family; traditionally said to suit those with dryness, a dry-lung cough, or constipation
- Nursing mothers: said to support milk supply
- Not suitable during pregnancy — papaya is traditionally said to cause mild uterine contraction
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Papaya (mu gua): ripe papaya is traditionally associated with nourishing yin and moistening; green papaya is said to protect the stomach and intestinal lining.
- Snow fungus (xue er): a classic yin-moistening ingredient prized for skin.
- Figs (wu hua guo): traditionally said to moisten and gently support digestion.
- Sweet apricot kernels (nan xing): said to moisten the lungs.
Ingredients (about 4 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Papaya (mu gua) | 1 | peeled, seeded, cut into chunks |
| Snow fungus (xue er) | ~8 g / 2 qian | soaked, stem removed |
| Dried figs (wu hua guo) | 6 | |
| Sweet apricot kernels (nan xing) | ~19 g / 5 qian | |
| Lean pork (shou rou) | ~225 g / 6 liang | sliced, blanched |
Method
- Peel and seed the papaya and cut into chunks; soak the snow fungus and remove its stem; slice and blanch the pork.
- Put everything in a pot with 6 bowls of water and simmer about 1 hour down to roughly 4 bowls. Drink the soup and eat the ingredients.
Bro Niu’s tips
The whole family can drink this, and it is traditionally said to suit those with gastritis, constipation or a dry-lung cough. Nursing mothers find it supports milk supply — but pregnant women should not use papaya, as it is traditionally said to cause mild uterine contraction.
Community questions answered (selected)
- Q (eddia): Can I use white papaya for the soup? Bro Niu: You mean the green-skinned, white-fleshed papaya? That green papaya is said to protect the stomach and intestinal lining and can be used often — but pregnant women should not use papaya, as it is said to cause contraction.
- Q (anonymous): It seems a bit cooling — can I still drink it? Bro Niu: Papaya is warm in nature; this soup is neither cooling nor drying.
- Q (Can): No figs on hand — can I use red dates? Bro Niu: Yes, you can use 6 red dates instead.
Published December 1, 2011 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
