Pumpkin Red Date Sweet Soup

Why people make this soup

Pumpkin is one of those vegetables that crosses seasons beautifully — flavourful in summer and autumn, available in many varieties, and happy in both sweet and savoury dishes. In Chinese food therapy it is valued for nourishing the middle, supporting the qi, and gently bolstering lung function. Paired with red dates, the result is a naturally sweet, fragrant soup that the whole family can enjoy. It is a particularly good option during periods of chronic cough or general respiratory weakness, though it is not a replacement for medical treatment in serious cases.

Pumpkin is a versatile plant — the seeds are traditionally used too. The seeds have a reputation for supporting men’s prostate health when eaten regularly (roasted), and fresh raw pumpkin seeds can be chewed to help address intestinal worms in children (a traditional folk remedy).