Soups
Green Papaya, Octopus, Chestnut and Fig Soup
Traditionally used to strengthen bones and sinews and support against inflammation
Why people make this soup
Bro Niu loves green papaya in soup — it’s nutritious, rich in vitamins C and K, papain and choline, all of which help keep bones healthy and support the body against inflammation. Paired with octopus, chestnut, fig and pork shin, it becomes a soup that strengthens bones and sinews for children and elders alike.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Good for children and older adults wanting to strengthen bones and sinews; the protective effect of green papaya on the stomach lining also suits those with stomach trouble or ulcers, and it’s fine for early-stage macular changes.
- Pregnant women should not use papaya, as it is traditionally said to cause the uterus to contract — substitute lotus root.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Green papaya (qing mu gua): rich in nutrients that support bone health; traditionally said to protect the stomach lining.
- Octopus (zhang yu): associated with supporting qi and blood and helping tissue knit.
- Chestnuts (li zi): traditionally used to support the stomach, spleen and sinews.
- Figs (wu hua guo): associated with supporting the body’s defences and keeping bones healthy.
Ingredients (4–5 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Green papaya | 1 | Peeled, deseeded, cut into chunks |
| Dried octopus | ~75 g (2 liang) | Cut and soaked |
| Chestnuts | 10 | Peeled |
| Dried figs | 4 | Rinsed |
| Fresh ginger | 2 slices | |
| Pork shin | 1 piece | Cut and blanched |
Method
- Peel and deseed the green papaya and cut into chunks; cut and soak the octopus; peel the chestnuts; rinse the figs; cut and blanch the pork shin.
- Add everything to a pot with 9 bowls of water and simmer for 2 hours until reduced to 4–5 bowls.
Bro Niu’s tips
This soup is fragrant and tasty, fine for young and old. Green papaya protects the stomach and intestinal lining, so it suits those with stomach ulcers or stomach trouble; older people with rheumatic bone pain or early macular changes can also drink it. But pregnant women should avoid papaya as it may make the uterus contract — use lotus root instead.
Community questions answered (selected)
- Q (Bojo): What soup or drink can help with glaucoma? Bro Niu: Steep a small pinch each of mulberry leaf, chrysanthemum, gu jing cao and 4 sliced red dates as a regular tea — good for the eyes.
- Q (Wai): My shoulders and neck ache, my blood is a bit weak, and my shoulder blade and arm crackle and ache. Any food therapy? And can I drink cinnamon twig (gui zhi) long-term? Bro Niu: Gui zhi is a guiding herb that draws others upward, good for shoulder-blade pain. Try 1 liang niu da li, 5 qian sang ji sheng, 3 qian gui zhi, 10 chestnuts (or 1 liang black beans) and 6 red dates simmered with bone for 2 hours to 4 bowls, split over 2 days, 2–3 times a week for two weeks.
Published March 2, 2024 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
