Longan, Red Date, Goji Berry and Peach Resin Sweet Soup

Why people make this soup

During an extended period of stress and low mood, eating something genuinely nourishing and delicious is one of the most practical acts of self-care there is. Nourilo put this sweet soup together for exactly that reason. Peach resin — the translucent amber droplets that ooze from peach tree bark — has earned the nickname “people’s bird’s nest” for its gelatinous, collagen-rich texture. It is far more affordable than bird’s nest, widely available in Chinese herb shops, and when soaked overnight swells into a beautiful jelly-like mass. Combined with longan for its traditional heart-calming properties, red dates and goji berries for blood nourishment, and rock sugar for gentle sweetness, this becomes a dessert that feels like a treat and functions like a tonic.

Method

1. Soak the peach resin in cold water for at least 10 hours (overnight is ideal). The resin will swell significantly — pick out any bark or dark debris, then rinse well.
2. Rinse the longan, goji berries, and dates; pit the dates.
3. Place all ingredients except the rock sugar in a pot with 2.1 L of cold water.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer and cook for 40 minutes until 1.2 L remain.
5. Stir in rock sugar to taste and simmer until dissolved.
6. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Nourilo’s Tips

Peach resin is very hard before soaking — do not try to rush the soaking time; overnight is best. Once soaked, it can be stored in the fridge for a day or two if needed. This sweet soup is particularly nice in cold or dry weather. For those who want to prepare in advance: once the resin has been soaked, it can be refrigerated and used as needed.