Soups
Green Papaya, Moth Bean, Peanut and Fig Soup
Traditionally used to support breast milk production postpartum
Why people make this soup
Breastfeeding is widely recognized to benefit both baby and mother — boosting the infant’s immune response, deepening the mother-child bond, and reducing the risk of postnatal depression. Yet many new mothers find their milk supply falls short, often due to insufficient infant suckling, exhaustion, or stress and anxiety. In Cantonese food therapy, green (unripe) papaya has long been the go-to ingredient for encouraging milk production, as its naturally occurring enzymes are thought to support mammary gland activity. Paired with moth beans, peanuts, and dried figs — all traditionally used to nourish and enrich milk — this gentle, pleasant-tasting soup is a warm, practical gift for new mothers.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- New mothers experiencing low milk supply after childbirth
- Suitable for the whole family as a nourishing everyday soup
- Pregnant women must avoid this recipe — green papaya (even cooked) may trigger uterine contractions; ripe papaya is fine but is a different ingredient
- Those with latex allergy may be sensitive to papaya
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Green papaya (qing mu gua): Contains papain enzymes at roughly double the concentration of ripe papaya; in Chinese food therapy it is considered to warm the stomach, aid digestion, and most importantly support lactation by nourishing the mammary glands
- Moth beans (mei dou): Traditionally used to strengthen the spleen and resolve dampness; provides plant protein to support postpartum recovery
- Peanuts (hua sheng): Associated in Cantonese tradition with increasing breast milk volume; also a source of healthy fats and protein
- Dried figs (wu hua guo): Mildly sweet with a softening effect on the digestive tract; also considered beneficial for milk production
Ingredients (4–5 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Green (unripe) papaya | 1 medium (~500 g) | Peel, seed, and cut into chunks |
| Moth beans (mei dou) | 38 g (1 liang) | Rinse and soak |
| Peanuts | 38 g (1 liang) | Keep skins on; rinse and soak |
| Dried figs | 4 pieces | Rinse and halve |
| Lean pork | 300 g (half jin) | Blanch in boiling water first |
| Water | 9 bowls (~2.25 L) | To cook down to 4–5 bowls |
Method
- Peel and seed the green papaya; cut the flesh into bite-sized chunks.
- Rinse the moth beans and peanuts; soak in cold water for 20 minutes, then drain.
- Rinse and halve the dried figs.
- Blanch the lean pork in boiling water for 1–2 minutes; drain and rinse.
- Add all ingredients to a pot with 9 bowls of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer.
- Cook for 1.5 hours until the liquid reduces to 4–5 bowls.
- Drink the soup and eat the ingredients; best served warm.
Bro Niu’s tips
Green papaya contains roughly twice the enzyme concentration of ripe papaya, making it more effective for this purpose. Because the enzymes also help break down proteins from food, the soup is lighter on the digestive system than it might look. Suitable for the wider family — just keep it away from pregnant women. The moth beans and peanuts give the soup a pleasant natural sweetness.
Community questions answered (selected)
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Q (reader): Is green papaya cooling in nature? I have phlegm and cough — can I still drink this soup? Bro Niu: Green papaya has a sweet flavour and a neutral (ping) nature, so it is suitable for people of all constitutions.
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Q (lung): My wife had her second baby and now gets headaches whenever there is a breeze. Is there a soup to help? Bro Niu: After childbirth the body is more vulnerable to wind, which can lead to wind-headache and dizziness. You can try a soup with gastrodia root (tian ma, 3 qian), Sichuan lovage (chuan xiong, 2 qian), white angelica (bai zhi, 2 qian), 2 slices of fresh ginger, and 5 red dates, cooked with a large fish head. Eat the fish head and drink the soup; take 2–3 doses.
Published October 18, 2022 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 3 min read.
