Snow Pear, North and South Almond, and Tangerine Cake Soup

Why people make this soup

Early winter is described in Chinese wellness as “fire returning to the organs” — a time when the lungs and stomach are most vulnerable to dryness. If your diet has been a little too spicy or rich, or if the cold, dry air has simply gotten to you, you might notice a dry, scratchy throat, a persistent tickle that makes you want to clear your throat, or the odd dry cough without feeling sick. This is typically a lung-dryness pattern rather than an infection. Snow pear is one of the most valued ingredients in Cantonese food therapy for exactly this — it is gently cooling, produces fluids, and traditionally soothes the lungs and stomach. Paired with almonds and tangerine cake, this is a simple, pleasant drink for the whole family during the dry months.