Soups
Peach Gum Longan Goji Dessert Soup
Traditionally used to nourish the blood, support skin radiance, and tonify the liver and kidneys
Why people make this soup
Peach gum is the natural resin that seeps from peach tree bark, dried and sold in Chinese herb shops at a very affordable price. Once soaked overnight in cold water, it expands several times in volume to a soft, translucent jelly — it has a pleasing, almost neutral taste, and a texture somewhat like snow fungus. Paired with the warmly sweet longan flesh, goji berries, and red dates, this dessert soup is a household favorite for anyone wanting to support their complexion and blood health. Longan is traditionally considered one of the finest blood tonics in Cantonese food therapy; goji berries nourish both the liver and kidneys; and red dates add warmth and sweetness while further supporting blood production. The whole family can drink this soup.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Suitable for most adults and children looking to support overall blood health and skin radiance
- Breastfeeding mothers may consume this — it is the pregnant mothers who should avoid peach gum
- Those with a cold or weak spleen and stomach should limit intake
- Avoid during active illness such as colds or coughs — wait until recovered before resuming
- Do not serve to young children under three years old due to concerns about hormonal effects from plant resins; traditional herb doctors generally counsel restraint with these ingredients for children
- Not suitable during pregnancy
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Peach gum (tao jiao): A plant-based resin rich in polysaccharides; traditionally considered to nourish the skin, moisten dryness, and support complexion; used as a more affordable alternative to snow fungus or bird’s nest
- Longan flesh (gui yuan rou): Warm in nature; one of the most classic blood-nourishing ingredients in Cantonese food therapy; also traditionally used to calm the heart and ease anxiety
- Goji berries (gou qi zi): Nourish the liver and kidneys; traditionally associated with supporting eye health and brightening the complexion
- Red dates (hong zao): Gently warm and sweet; traditionally used to support blood production, strengthen the spleen, and calm the spirit
Ingredients (4 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Peach gum (tao jiao) | 1 liang (~38 g) | Must be soaked overnight in cold water; remove black impurities after soaking |
| Longan flesh (gui yuan rou) | 5 qian (~19 g) | Rinse gently |
| Goji berries (gou qi zi) | 4 qian (~15 g) | Rinse |
| Red dates (hong zao), pitted | 8 pieces | Remove pits before cooking |
Method
- The night before: soak the peach gum in plenty of cold water for at least 8 hours. It will expand several times in size. After soaking, carefully pick out and discard any black impurities.
- Remove the pits from the red dates. Rinse the longan flesh and goji berries.
- Place all prepared ingredients into a pot with 6 bowls of water (about 1.5 liters).
- Bring to a boil, then simmer for 30 minutes until reduced to about 4 bowls.
- Serve warm. The whole family can drink it.
Bro Niu’s tips
Peach gum is inexpensive but requires a bit of patience: soaking overnight is non-negotiable, as the dry resin must fully expand and soften. Take the time to pick out the dark specks after soaking — they are simply natural impurities and not harmful, but the texture is better without them. If you want to pre-prepare, you can portion the soaked peach gum into individual bags and freeze them for later use. Store in the freezer and thaw as needed. This soup keeps in the refrigerator for one day.
Community questions answered (selected)
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Q (reader): Can this dessert soup be consumed after surgery? Bro Niu: Yes, this dessert soup is suitable after surgery.
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Q (Denise): Can a new mother who has just given birth drink a dessert soup made with peach gum, snow swallow, snow lotus seeds, and red dates? Bro Niu: A postnatal mother (after delivery) can use peach gum and snow swallow. It is pregnant mothers — before delivery — who should not.
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Q (reader): Can I freeze the soaked peach gum in ice cube trays so I can take out a portion whenever I want to cook? Bro Niu: Yes — portion the soaked peach gum into bags or containers and freeze. Take out one portion at a time to cook. Very convenient.
Published February 16, 2016 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 3 min read.
