Soups

Snow Fungus, Papaya, Fig and Lean Pork Soup

traditionally associated with nourishing the lungs, supporting digestion, and moistening dry skin

In short: Snow Fungus, Papaya, Fig and Lean Pork Soup is a soup that traditionally associated with nourishing the lungs, supporting digestion, and moistening dry skin. It is most often made for respiratory & lung wellness, digestive wellness, skin & natural beauty. Total time about 75 min. Key ingredients: papaya, figs, red dates, lean pork.

Prep
15 min
Cook
60 min
Total
75 min
Makes
0.9–1.2 L
Snow Fungus, Papaya, Fig and Lean Pork Soup

Why people make this soup

In Cantonese home cooking, there is a category of soup that people reach for not because they are acutely ill but because life feels a little dry — dry skin in winter, a nagging dry cough that won’t quite leave, or a digestion that moves a little too slowly. This snow fungus, papaya and fig soup fits squarely into that tradition. It is light and clear-tasting rather than heavy or oily, yet each ingredient brings something worthwhile to the pot. Because it is gentle and nourishing rather than cooling or strongly medicinal, it is one of those soups the whole family — children included — can enjoy together.

What studies say about the key ingredients

Traditional use is not the same as clinical proof. Here is the strongest human research we found for each ingredient, limitations included.

  • Snow fungus · Randomized controlled trial · 2018
    The Tremella fuciformis groups showed greater improvements than placebo in subjective memory complaint scores, short-term memory and executive function tests. Adverse event frequency was similar across high-dose, low-dose and placebo groups.Limitation: Small sample with only 15 people in the placebo group and a short 8-week duration; the brain imaging findings were exploratory.PubMed 29319408
  • Red dates · Meta-analysis, 483 participants · 2025
    Jujube was associated with significantly lower BMI and triglycerides, and lower fasting blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. LDL and total cholesterol fell only in some subgroups. HDL, AST and ALT did not change significantly.Limitation: The authors state the overall quality of the evidence is limited, and results varied significantly by dose, treatment duration and disease type.PubMed 40399274 · 3 more red dates studies
  • Tangerine peel · Randomized controlled trial, 72 participants · 2025
    The tangerine peel drink group showed significant reductions in body weight and triglycerides after the intervention compared with the control group (p < 0.05). Safety markers showed no adverse effects. Gut microbiota and serum metabolite profiles also differed.Limitation: Small pilot trial with only 55 of 72 participants completing. The fermented product is not the same as plain tangerine peel, and the control group is not described.PubMed 40225325

From the Nourilo Research Library. Findings come from specific doses, extracts and populations and may not apply to a home-cooked recipe.

Safety first — read before you cook

This is a traditional food, not a treatment. Please check with your doctor or pharmacist before making it a regular part of your diet if you:

  • are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are cooking for a young child;
  • take regular medicines — especially blood thinners, blood-pressure, diabetes or immune-suppressing drugs;
  • have a kidney, liver or heart condition, or a known food allergy.

Stop eating it and seek advice if you notice an allergic reaction or feel unwell. Safety notes reviewed 8 October 2026 · How we write safety notes

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