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. Bro Niu 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.

Who it suits / who should be cautious

• Suits most people; particularly associated with supporting those with declining vision, eye fatigue from screens, or general tiredness of the eyes.
• Suitable for children (a useful soup for children who wear glasses or do a lot of reading).
• Not suitable during an active cold or fever.

Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)

• Cicada fungus flower (jin chan hua, Isaria cicadae): A parasitic cordyceps-related fungus; traditionally associated with dispersing wind-heat, brightening the eyes and calming restlessness. Modern research has looked at its immune-modulating and pain-relieving properties. Purchase from a reputable shop: look for pieces that are dry, firm, fully formed with visible “flowers” at the top, and have a clean aroma.
• Ruiren nut (rui ren rou, Prinsepia uniflora seed): A Chinese herbal ingredient traditionally used to nourish the liver, brighten the eyes and disperse wind-heat.
• Goji berries (gou qi zi): One of the most familiar Chinese wellness ingredients in the West; associated with supporting liver and kidney health and eye function.
• Carrot: Provides beta-carotene and natural sweetness; a practical source of provitamin A to support eye health.
• Lean pork: Adds body and protein; the broth extraction from lean pork helps the other ingredients come together into a balanced, palatable soup.

Ingredients (3–4 bowls)

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Cicada fungus flower	11 g	Soak in cold water to rinse away grit; rinse thoroughly
Ruiren nut	7.5 g	Rinse
Goji berries	11 g	Rinse
Carrot	1 medium	Peeled, cut into chunks
Lean pork	225 g	Blanch briefly; drain

Method

1. Soak the cicada fungus flower in cold water for several minutes, swirling gently to dislodge sand and grit. Drain and rinse again — this step is important as the fungus grows in soil.
2. Rinse the ruiren nut and goji berries.
3. Peel the carrot and cut into chunks.
4. Blanch the lean pork in boiling water for 1–2 minutes; drain and rinse.
5. Combine all ingredients in a pot with 7 bowls (about 1.65 L) of water.
6. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer for 1.5 hours.
7. Season lightly with salt and serve. Drink the soup and eat the pork and carrot.

Bro Niu’s tips

• The soup has a mild herbal note that is easy to get used to — Bro Niu describes it as easy to drink. Children who need eye support should be fine with it.
• If your child has poor vision, Bro Niu suggests 2 servings per week for a month.
• Adding pearl mother (zhen zhu mu) to this soup is also compatible — it can help with calming and supporting sleep.
• When buying cicada fungus flower, avoid any that look flat and shrivelled, have a soft or damp texture, or smell musty. Buy from a reputable Chinese herb shop.

Community questions answered (selected)

• Q (reader, WING): Can a 9-year-old child have this soup once a week? What about during a cold? Bro Niu: This soup is very helpful for children’s vision. If your child has poor eyesight, 2 servings per week for a month is appropriate. Do not serve during a cold or fever.

• Q (Ling): I have been drinking a soup with jade bamboo, mother-of-pearl and goji berry — can I add mother-of-pearl to this one too? Bro Niu: Yes, pearl mother (zhen zhu mu) can be added to this soup without any issue.

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Published August 7, 2017 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 3 min read.