Soups
Chinese Yam, Snow Fungus and Tea Tree Mushroom Soup
traditionally associated with nourishing the spleen and kidneys, supporting immune function, and providing anti-aging and blood-sugar-balancing benefits
Why people make this soup
Tea tree mushroom (Agrocybe cylindracea, also called velvet pioppino) is a richly nutritious mushroom enjoyed both in Chinese cooking and as an emerging health food worldwide. It is high in protein, loaded with vitamins and minerals, and contains polysaccharides that have attracted interest in immune-health research. Paired with Chinese yam (a long-standing spleen-and-kidney tonic), snow fungus (Tremella — a classic beauty and lung-nourishing ingredient), and flower mushroom, this soup covers a broad spectrum of traditional wellness goals: energising the spleen and kidneys, supporting blood pressure and blood sugar balance, and providing antioxidant support. It is one of those versatile family soups that Bro Niu recommends as a regular addition to any household’s cooking rotation.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Suitable for the whole family — men, women, the elderly, and children
- Neither too warming nor too cooling; good even for those with a “cold stomach” (wei han), kidney inflammation with swelling, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or diabetes
- Those who prefer not to use red dates can substitute with honey dates (mi zao) or figs (wu hua guo)
- Pregnant women can safely drink this soup
- Children are welcome to drink it; a reader confirmed that children with favism (G6PD deficiency) can also drink it safely
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Chinese yam (huai shan / shan yao): One of the most frequently used tonic ingredients in Chinese dietary medicine; gently nourishes the spleen, lungs, and kidneys simultaneously; supports healthy blood sugar management.
- Tea tree mushroom (cha shu gu): Rich in protein and polysaccharides; traditionally associated with clearing heat, supporting liver function, improving vision, nourishing the kidneys, and strengthening the spleen; its polysaccharide content has attracted research interest for immune support.
- Flower mushroom / thick shiitake (hua gu): Contains lentinan polysaccharides; widely regarded in Chinese food therapy as immunomodulating, cholesterol-lowering, and supportive of liver health.
- Snow fungus (xue er / yin er): A classic yin-nourishing food; supports lung moisture, skin hydration, and immune function; traditionally used for dry coughs and general anti-aging.
- Red dates (hong zao): Warm and nourishing; support spleen qi and blood; improve flavour and palatability of the broth.
Ingredients (4–5 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dried Chinese yam (huai shan) | 38 g (1 liang) | Rinse and soak briefly |
| Dried tea tree mushroom | 38 g (1 liang) | Rinse briefly; soak and trim base |
| Flower mushroom (dried shiitake) | 6 pieces | Soak, remove stems |
| Snow fungus (dried) | 4 pieces | Soak until soft; remove base, tear into florets |
| Red dates | 6 pieces | Pitted |
| Lean pork shoulder (zhu zhan) | 1 piece (~250 g) | Blanch briefly to remove impurities |
| Water | 8 bowls (~2 litres) | Reduces to 4–5 bowls |
Method
- Blanch the lean pork briefly in boiling water; remove and rinse.
- Soak the Chinese yam, flower mushrooms, and snow fungus in cold water until fully rehydrated. Remove the stems from the mushrooms. Tear the snow fungus into manageable florets. Rinse the tea tree mushrooms and trim the tough base ends.
- Rinse the red dates briefly.
- Combine all ingredients in a pot with 8 bowls of water.
- Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and simmer gently for 2 hours, until about 4–5 bowls remain.
- Serve hot. Eat the soup ingredients along with the broth.
Bro Niu’s tips
- This soup is well-balanced — not too warming, not too cooling — and works as a regular family wellness soup, suitable for all seasons.
- Fresh tea tree mushrooms can be used instead; double the quantity (they are mostly water when fresh, so you will need roughly twice the weight to achieve a similar result).
- If you cannot find tea tree mushrooms, substitute with monkey head mushroom (hou tou gu, about 2 pieces), or simply leave them out — the remaining ingredients still make a nourishing soup.
- Yellow beans can be added as well; a reader asked and Bro Niu confirmed they are a welcome addition.
- Honey dates or figs can replace red dates for those who prefer them.
Community questions answered (selected)
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Q (meimei): Can fresh tea tree mushrooms and fresh Chinese yam be used instead of dried, and do they have the same effect? Bro Niu: Fresh versions of both ingredients work well. Use roughly double the quantity of the dried amounts since fresh ingredients have a higher water content.
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Q (Can): If I have no tea tree mushrooms, can I just use regular dried mushrooms (dong gu)? Bro Niu: The recipe already contains flower mushrooms (which are a premium dried shiitake). If you have no tea tree mushrooms, substitute with 2 pieces of monkey head mushroom (hou tou gu), or simply proceed without them.
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Q (reader, 2013): Can pregnant women drink this soup? Bro Niu: Yes, this soup is safe for pregnant women.
Published June 4, 2012 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 4 min read.
