Snow Ear Fig Papaya Sweet Soup

Why people make this sweet soup

Bird’s nest — the famously expensive ingredient made from the dried saliva of swiftlets — has long been prized in Chinese food culture for nourishing the lungs and skin. But as demand has pushed prices sky-high in recent years, Bro Niu suggests a far more affordable alternative: snow ear fungus, sometimes called silver ear or white wood ear, which contains a plant-based gelatinous collagen and is considered to offer similar nourishing benefits at a fraction of the cost. Paired with figs, sweet apricot kernels, and papaya, this dessert soup is something the whole family can enjoy regularly — traditionally associated with supporting skin smoothness, digestive comfort, and gentle bowel regularity.

Who it suits / who should be cautious

• Suitable for most people; the whole family can enjoy this regularly.
• Regular consumption is traditionally associated in food therapy with maintaining skin moisture and helping prevent premature wrinkle formation.
• Pregnant women should omit the papaya entirely — it may stimulate uterine contractions. A snow ear and fig version alone is still beneficial and is particularly suited to pregnancy-related constipation.

Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)

• Snow ear fungus (xue er): Contains plant-based polysaccharides that form a gel when cooked — this is the quality that has earned it the nickname “budget bird’s nest.” Traditionally considered to nourish the lungs, moisten dryness, support fluid production, and strengthen the stomach. Some modern research suggests it may also have immune-modulating properties.
• Dried fig (wu hua guo): Gentle and sweet, figs nourish the lungs, moisten the throat, support digestion, and ease constipation. A reliable foundation ingredient in many Cantonese food-therapy soups.
• Sweet apricot kernels (nan xing): Different from bitter apricot kernels, the sweet variety is milder and commonly used to support lung and digestive moisture without being harsh. They add a pleasant nutty taste to the soup.
• Papaya (mu gua): Rich in papain enzymes that traditionally support digestion. In food therapy it is associated with nourishing the stomach and skin, and providing a natural sweetness to the soup. Omit for pregnant women.
• Rock sugar (bing tang): Melts into the broth and traditionally carries a mild lung-moistening quality.

Ingredients (4 bowls)

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Dried snow ear fungus (xue er)	19 g (about 5 qian)	Soak until fully softened, remove stem
Dried figs (wu hua guo)	4 pieces	Rinse and halve
Sweet apricot kernels (nan xing)	19 g (about 5 qian)	Rinse
Ripe papaya (mu gua)	1 medium	Peeled, seeded, cut into chunks
Rock sugar (bing tang)	To taste	Added near the end

Method

1. Soak the dried snow ear fungus in cool water for about 20–30 minutes until fully softened. Trim off and discard the hard yellow stem at the base, then chop or tear into smaller pieces.
2. Rinse the figs and cut each one in half.
3. Peel and seed the papaya, then cut into bite-sized chunks.
4. Combine the snow ear, figs, and sweet apricot kernels in a pot with 6–7 bowls of water.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes.
6. Add the papaya chunks and rock sugar in the last 10 minutes of cooking. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
7. Serve warm or at room temperature. Eat the solids along with the broth.

Bro Niu’s tips

This sweet soup is enjoyed by all ages and is one of those recipes that rewards regular preparation — Bro Niu notes that consistent consumption is associated in food therapy with keeping skin supple and reducing the early appearance of fine lines. It is also traditionally considered to support bone density over time. For pregnant women who want the digestive and lung benefits, simply skip the papaya and stick with the snow ear and figs — that version is especially well suited to the constipation that often comes with pregnancy.

Community questions answered (selected)

• Q (sf): Bro Niu, my 14-year-old daughter has white spots on her nails — is there anything in food therapy for that? Bro Niu: White spots on the nails in young people can sometimes relate to calcium or digestion. Try a soup with fresh green papaya, 4 figs, and 3 qian of snow ear, cooked with fresh fish or lean pork — twice a week.

• Q (jenny1010): How soon after a caesarean section can someone eat bird’s nest or fish maw? Bro Niu: If appetite has returned, these can be started from the second week. Just take small amounts at first — a little is fine.

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Published June 11, 2019 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 4 min read.