Snow Fungus Beauty Soup: How to use Isabella’s bundle
I’m so excited to be sharing this one with you! This is one of the herbal soups my mom would be making for us year round, but would especially be served often during winter to boost our Qi (Yes to a healthy peachy glow!), immune system and retain healthy skin during harsh and dry winters in Scandinavia. I can confidently say that this is a Chinese beauty secret and used as an all-around ailment for us women and the common problems we can deal with that are hormone-related. We also drink it before or after meals to ease digestion and can be an add-on for those who have a tendency to put on a few extra pounds during winter and the holidays. I was also drinking this, along w. many other herbs during my postpartum recovery to help my recovery and prevent any blood deficiencies. It incorporates a lot of TCM herbs, so once you know their properties and functions you can use the ingredients separately as you desire, in your teas and varies other soups, broths and congee (my go-to add on in congee). And lastly, it tastes brilliant! For those not growing up with this, the textures can seem a bit funny, but I haven’t yet met a person who didn’t enjoy the silky-smooth snow fungus.
Main ingredients and their benefits:
Goji Berries (Gou Qi Zi): Considered a warming food and categorised as a ‘super-food’ in the West, has anti-aging and blood-replenishing properties as well as helping w eye-sight, immune system and even anti-cancer properties.
Snow Fungus (Yin Er): Nourishes the Yin as is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. It is one of the known and effective plant-based sources of collagen, thus Chinese women swear by this for a youthful, wrinkle-free appearance and brightening their complexion. Additionally, it nourishes and moisturises the lungs (consider the look of the snow fungus and you’ll see why), so your body can stand better chances at fighting off those nasty winter colds!
Red Jujube Dates (Da Zao): Growing up, my mom would prepare red dates for me in various forms whenever that time of month came around. Us women are especially prone to liver & spleen problems due to the heavy toll of our menstrual cycle. Red dates are a female best friend, as it aids your blood circulation and both balances and nourishes Qi. For this soup it also adds that bit of sugary sweetness which elevates the flavours all-together.
Lily Bulbs (Bai He): These are slightly bitter in taste, and in TCM we believe bitter herbs nourish your heart. If you struggle w. dry coughs during winter then dried lily bulbs are a must-have for your pantry. They also help w. excess water retention, which you may have during various phases of your monthly cycle, during menopause or times of stress.
Lotus Seeds (Lian Zi): High in protein, minerals and Vitamin D, supports kidney and digestive functions as well as being anti-inflammatory.
Ginger (optional): Is at our rescue when we’re sick or struggling w infections! Helps our digestion, treat nausea and morning sickness.
Recipe (Makes for 2 servings):
Ingredients:
Snow Fungus Soup Bundle
Step-by-step:
Soak all the ingredients in the main package for at least 5-6 hours. I will sometimes leave them soaking overnight, and it does make it softer and easier to cook. Save the goji berries in the little package for later.
Once your snow fungus has expanded into a beautiful white soft bundle, you will want to rinse it carefully under a cold tap, making sure any dirt is removed completely.
Use a pair of scissors of knife to cut the snow fungus from its roots (the hard, more yellowy part).
Add your snow fungus to your water (1,5 l). Boil for 5 mins, followed by a 45 mins simmer.
In the meantime, peel and slice your ginger.
Add your dates, lily bulbs, lotus seeds and ginger slices to the pot and simmer for 45 mins.
Add your goji berries in the last 2 mins of simmering.
Let your soup cool down slightly, but serve whilst warm!
You can add honey or rock sugar if you prefer a sweeter taste.
You can keep this in the fridge for 4-5 days and reheat it.
Enjoy!!