Yacon, Pear, Sweet Almond and Fig Sweet Soup

Why people make this soup

Yacon is a South American root vegetable that can seem unfamiliar at first — its name in some Chinese dialects evokes the famous highland snow lotus flower, which is an entirely different plant. After a little research and a first taste, most people are won over: yacon is crunchy, juicy, and naturally sweet, a bit like a water pear. It has been studied for its potential to support healthy blood lipids and blood sugar, and it makes a wonderfully refreshing sweet soup. Here it is paired with Asian pear, sweet apricot kernels, and dried figs for a classic Cantonese-style cooling dessert that works well for both children and adults.