Soups
Dried Persimmon, Black Wood Ear Mushroom, and Lily Bulb Soup
Traditionally associated with softening blood vessels and supporting cardiovascular and respiratory health
Why people make this soup
As winter sets in, many people in the Chinese tradition reach for warming, fortifying foods. But Bro Niu cautions that older adults, in particular, should be careful about heavy, hot tonics — overindulging can drive blood lipids upward and strain the heart and blood vessels. This light, naturally sweet soup takes a gentler approach. The star ingredient is dried persimmon: when fresh persimmon is in season, the dried version has already been transformed into something softer and more medicinal. The persimmon frost — that fine white powder naturally forming on the surface — is especially valued for soothing coughs and bronchial irritation, so Bro Niu advises giving the fruit only a gentle rinse rather than scrubbing it clean.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Suitable for most people, including children and older adults — mild in nature and easy to digest
- Particularly useful as a seasonal food in autumn and winter when the air is dry
- Those with chronic coughs or elderly people with persistent coughing may find it helpful
- Fresh persimmon should not be eaten on an empty stomach (the tannins can form a mass in the stomach), but dried persimmon has much less tannin and is safer; it is also suitable for people with gallstones
- People with very cold or deficient digestion may want to limit the quantity
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Dried persimmon (shi bing): Sweet and astringent, neutral in nature; traditionally used to nourish the lungs, generate fluids, and support cardiovascular function by helping to soften blood vessels. The white frost on the surface is associated with relieving coughs and bronchitis.
- Black wood ear mushroom (hei mu er, Auricularia auricula-judae): Nourishing and gentle; traditionally used to support the brain and lungs, promote healthy blood flow, and help manage blood pressure.
- Lily bulb (bai he, Lilium brownii): Sweet and slightly cold; traditionally used to clear and moisten the lungs, and calm the heart and mind. Useful in dry weather or for people prone to anxiety and mild insomnia.
- Brown sugar (hong tang): A small amount for balance; adds a pleasant warmth to round out the flavours.
Ingredients (3 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dried persimmon (shi bing) | 3 heart-shaped, or 2 round | Rinse gently; do not scrub off the white frost |
| Dried black wood ear mushroom (hei mu er) | 2–3 pieces | Soak to rehydrate, remove stem, shred roughly |
| Dried lily bulb (bai he) | ~38 g (1 liang) | Soak and rinse |
| Brown sugar | A small amount | To taste |
| Water | 6 bowls (~1.5 L) | Reduce to 3 bowls |
Method
- Rinse the dried persimmons lightly (do not scrub) and cut them open.
- Soak the black wood ear mushroom until fully rehydrated; remove the tough stem and tear or cut into coarser strips.
- Soak and rinse the lily bulb pieces.
- Combine all ingredients in a pot with 6 bowls of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 40 minutes until the liquid reduces to 3 bowls.
- Stir in a small amount of brown sugar to dissolve.
- Serve warm; eat the softened soup solids along with the broth.
Bro Niu’s tips
The white frost on dried persimmon is a natural crystalline coating associated in traditional food medicine with soothing coughs and bronchial inflammation — rinse only briefly so it stays intact. This soup is mild and suitable for the whole family; it is also traditionally associated with helping elderly people with a persistent cough. Fresh persimmon should not be eaten on an empty stomach (due to tannins), but dried persimmon does not carry the same risk and is also suitable for people with gallstones.
Community questions answered (selected)
-
Q (平平 / reader): I have gallstones. Can I drink this soup? I heard you should not eat persimmon if you have gallstones. Bro Niu: Fresh persimmon is problematic on an empty stomach because the tannins combine with stomach acid to form a stone-like mass. But dried persimmon has much less tannin and does not pose the same risk — people with gallstones can have this soup. Freshly pressed apple juice and pumpkin juice are also traditionally associated with dissolving gallstones; drink them within 5 minutes of pressing to get the most benefit.
-
Q (Janet): I noticed my tongue seems to tilt slightly to one side — could that be a sign of stroke? Bro Niu: A tongue that deviates to one side is worth taking seriously, as it can indicate a cardiovascular issue — high blood pressure, high blood lipids, or high cholesterol. I would recommend getting a health check. You can also look for a bottle of Fufang Danshen Wan (compound danshen pills) at a reputable Chinese medicine shop — one bottle is traditionally used to support healthy blood flow. But please see a doctor to understand the cause.
Published November 9, 2019 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 4 min read.
