Winter Melon, Hyacinth Bean and Frog Soup

Why people make this soup

Mild water retention is more common than many people realise, and it is not always a sign of a serious underlying illness. A diet that is too salty, a sedentary lifestyle, hormonal shifts during the menstrual cycle, or even a spell of hot weather can all cause the body to hold on to extra fluid. Mini winter melon — with its thick, crisp flesh — is one of the best seasonal ingredients for addressing this. Paired with hyacinth beans to support digestive function, and frog (a traditional Cantonese ingredient valued for nourishing vitality), the result is a soup that is clean-tasting, refreshing in hot weather, and gently supports the body’s natural drainage. Even people with a generally weaker constitution can enjoy it.