Phoenix Eye Fruit, Goji and Chicken Breast Soup

Why people make this soup

Phoenix eye fruit (feng yan guo) is the seed of the sterculia tree. The name comes from the way ripe pods split open and dangle from branches — the dark seeds inside look, from a distance, like pairs of eyes. The kernels are creamy, mildly sweet, and cleaner-tasting than chestnuts. In traditional food therapy, they are considered gentle on the stomach and are associated with settling the digestive system and supporting healthy appetite. Combined with goji berries for nourishment and organic chicken for protein, this soup is a light, fragrant bowl that suits people of most constitution types — including children, the elderly, and those who are in the middle of recovery.

Method

1. Soak phoenix eye fruit kernels and goji berries separately in cold water for 10 minutes; rinse well.
2. Rinse chicken breast, then blanch in boiling water for 2 minutes to remove impurities. Drain and chop into large pieces.
3. Place all ingredients into a pot with about 2.1 L of cold water.
4. Bring to a boil, then lower heat and simmer for 1 hour, until liquid reduces to approximately 900 ml.
5. Serve warm. Eat both the soup and the solids.

Nourilo’s Tips

This is a particularly gentle and balanced soup — mild enough for children and the elderly alike. The phoenix eye fruit has a clean sweetness that makes the broth naturally pleasant. Traditionally, this soup is also considered helpful when children have stomachaches related to poor digestion or food stagnation.