Cicada Fungus Flower, Ruiren Nut, Goji Berry and Carrot Pork Soup

Why people make this soup

Cicada fungus flower (jin chan hua) is a parasitic fungus that grows on cicadas, in the same biological family as the much more famous cordyceps. Research from Chinese and Hong Kong universities has noted a close genetic similarity between the two fungi; before this publicity pushed prices up, cicada fungus was relatively affordable at around 20–30 HKD per liang. Nourilo recommends making the most of it while it stays accessible. In traditional Chinese medicine it is associated with dispersing wind-heat, calming children’s fevers, brightening the eyes, and modulating immune function. Paired with ruiren nut (a traditional herb for nourishing the liver and eyes), goji berries (a classic liver-kidney tonic) and the beta-carotene richness of carrot, this soup has a mild herbal note and is easy to drink — suitable for everyone from children to the elderly, and a thoughtful choice for anyone spending long hours looking at screens.