Snow Fungus Beauty Soup: Step-by-Step
Photo by Saga Sig <3
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 some 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.
Your bundle will come with three packages 1) main bundle 2) goji berries 3) Rock sugar
Recipe (Makes for 2 servings):
Ingredients:
Snow Fungus Soup Bundle
Step-by-step:
Soak: Open your main bundle 1), empty them in a bowl and soak all the ingredients for around 2 hours in enough water to cover.
Wash: 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.
Clean: Use a pair of scissors to cut the snow fungus from the hard yellow base.
Cook: Add your snow fungus only (leave out the other ingredients for now) to a pot and fill with water (1,2 l). Bring to a boil and then simmer for 30-40 mins. The soup should begin turning slightly thick and glossy.
Add other ingredients: Add the remaining ingredients from main bundle; the red dates, lotus seeds and lily bulbs and simmer another 20 minutes.
Add your goji berries in the last 2 mins of simmering!.
Sweeten: You can add the rock sugar to your liking!
Let your soup cool down slightly, but serve whilst warm! (Some prefer to drink it when cooled)
You can keep this in the fridge for 3-4 days and reheat it.
Enjoy!!
Main ingredients and their benefits:
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.
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.
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.
Rock Sugar (Optional, comes in the package): Neutral & moistening. Harmonising herbal formulas without contributing to dampness or heat.
Ginger (optional): Is at our rescue when we’re sick or struggling w infections! Helps our digestion, treat nausea and morning sickness.