Soups
Chinese Yam, Dendrobium, Goji and Guava Soup
Traditionally used to support steady blood sugar
Why people make this soup
Guava is in season — the green ones are fragrant but not too sweet, and they are Bro Niu’s favourite fruit for supporting steady blood sugar, especially helpful for folks watching the “three highs.” He still remembers a friend in Australia with serious diabetes who, on a knowledgeable visitor’s advice, brewed tea from the guava leaves growing in his garden and ate ripe guava in moderation; over time his blood sugar came down noticeably. Today Bro Niu simmers guava with Chinese yam, dendrobium and goji berries — a comforting bowl traditionally turned to for blood-sugar support.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- People watching their blood sugar and the “three highs”; suitable for young and old.
- Do not eat guava in excess — the seeds are hard to digest and can upset the stomach. This soup supports, but does not replace, medical care.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Guava (fan shi liu): traditionally valued, leaf and fruit alike, for steadying blood sugar and supporting the heart.
- Chinese yam (huai shan): traditionally used to strengthen the spleen and replenish qi.
- Dendrobium (shi hu): traditionally used to nourish yin and generate fluids.
- Goji berries (gou qi zi): traditionally used to support the liver and eyes.
Ingredients (4 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Guava, large (fan shi liu) | 2 | keep the skin |
| Chinese yam (huai shan) | 1 liang (~37 g) | |
| Dendrobium (shi hu) | 3 qian (~11 g) | |
| Goji berries (gou qi zi) | 3 qian (~11 g) | |
| Pork shin (zhu zhan) | 1 piece |
Method
- Wash the guava and cut into chunks with the skin on. Cut the pork shin into pieces and blanch.
- Rinse the remaining ingredients.
- Combine everything with 8 bowls of water and simmer about 1.5 hours, reducing to 4 bowls. Serve.
Bro Niu’s tips
Nourishing, light and clean, this soup is traditionally thought to help with fat and blood sugar, and it suits all ages. Just remember not to overeat guava itself, as the seeds can cause indigestion.
Published April 6, 2025 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
