Soups
Green Olive, Green Daikon & Lean Pork Soup
Traditionally used to clear lung heat and soothe throat discomfort
Why people make this soup
In the Cantonese food-therapy tradition, green olives have long been respected for their ability to benefit the throat and generate fluids. A famous classical formula called “Green Dragon White Tiger Soup” (qing long bai hu tang) uses green olive and white daikon to clear throat inflammation and support the body during flu season. Green daikon — though less commonly seen in Western markets than white daikon — is considered even more effective for the throat than its white counterpart, and it also traditionally neutralizes harmful gases, making it particularly valued by cooks and people who spend long hours around stove fumes.
This soup is clear, slightly sweet-savory, and genuinely pleasant to drink. It is one of the go-to household remedies in Cantonese families for any time someone has a scratchy, irritated, or overworked throat.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Well suited to: anyone with a sore, dry, or irritated throat; teachers, singers, call-center workers, or others who use their voice intensively; children with a persistent cough; nursing mothers (the soup is traditionally also associated with supporting milk production).
- The soup is mild and safe for all ages — older and younger family members can all share it.
- Caution: if a sore throat is accompanied by high fever, bright-red tonsils, or thick yellow phlegm, that may indicate a bacterial infection needing medical attention. This soup is supportive, not a replacement for antibiotics in such cases.
- Pregnant women: this soup is safe to consume.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Green olives (qing lan): Traditionally used to benefit the throat, generate saliva, clear toxins, and ease a sore or inflamed throat. Choose olives that are naturally olive-green with a slightly yellowish tinge — brightly dyed bright-green olives may have been chemically treated and are less desirable.
- Green daikon (qing luo bo): Considered in traditional practice to be even more effective at clearing throat heat than white daikon; also known to counteract cooking-gas fumes, making it useful for people who cook frequently.
- Sweet almonds / southern almonds (nan xing): Moisten the lungs, ease coughing, and provide gentle lubrication to the airways. Note: these are sweet almonds, not the bitter variety.
- Dried figs (wu hua guo): Support the lungs and large intestine; add natural sweetness and complement the anti-inflammatory action of the other ingredients.
- Lean pork (shou rou): Provides protein and body to the broth without adding heat.
Ingredients (4 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Green olives | 10 pieces | Lightly crushed; no need to remove stones |
| Green daikon radish | 1 medium | Peeled, cut into chunks |
| Sweet almonds (nan xing / southern almonds) | 40 g | Rinse and soak briefly |
| Dried figs | 4 pieces | Rinse |
| Lean pork | 250 g | Cut into pieces; blanch first |
| Water | 8 bowls (~2 L) |
Method
- Blanch the lean pork in boiling water briefly to remove impurities; drain and set aside.
- Peel and cut the green daikon into chunks.
- Lightly crush the green olives (no need to remove the stones).
- Rinse and briefly soak the sweet almonds and figs.
- Combine all ingredients in a pot with 8 bowls of water.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer.
- Cook for 2 hours until the broth has reduced to about 4 bowls.
- Serve with the soup ingredients; eat the daikon, pork, and figs along with the broth.
Bro Niu’s tips
This is a clear, refreshing soup that suits all ages. It is also helpful for children with a stubborn cough. If you cannot find green daikon, white daikon can be used — the effect is slightly less potent but still beneficial. The soup can be made without meat for a vegetarian version; flower nuts (peanuts) or cashews can replace the pork. Green olives can usually be found at Chinese herbal medicine stalls or some fresh-produce markets.
Community questions answered (selected)
-
Q (Ling): I have a sore throat this morning. I am also breastfeeding and do not want to take Western medicine. Is there a suitable soup? Bro Niu: You can cook this green olive and green daikon soup — it helps to soothe the throat and is also traditionally associated with supporting milk production. The whole family including young children can drink it.
-
Q (reader, via Smilejaime): My daughter has recovered from a cold but still has a dry cough. Can she have this soup without the meat? Can I use peanuts or cashews instead? Bro Niu: After a cold, this soup is a great choice. Peanuts and cashews can be used instead of meat.
-
Q (钟太): I lost my voice two months ago after a cold. The cold is gone but my voice is still hoarse. Is there food therapy for post-cold hoarseness? Bro Niu: Try steeping American ginseng, a quarter of a luo han guo fruit, 4 to 5 pang da hai seeds, and 4 slices of licorice root in hot water as a tea. This helps reduce throat inflammation and restore the voice. Sip throughout the day.
Published January 14, 2016 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 4 min read.
