Soups
Tea-Tree Mushroom (Agrocybe), Black Bean and Pork Shin Soup
Traditionally used to nourish the kidneys and ease water retention
Why people make this soup
Tea-tree mushrooms are tasty and crunchy, with a pine-and-milk fragrance that makes them a pleasure in both soups and stir-fries. In food-therapy terms they are associated with nourishing both yin and yang, supporting the spleen, and easing urination. Paired with black soybeans and pork shin, this soup is traditionally used to nourish the kidneys and gently ease water retention, while still being a warm, comforting everyday bowl.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- People dealing with puffiness/water retention, and as a savory family soup it’s gentle enough for everyone; also said to be kindly to those watching blood pressure and cholesterol.
- Kidney issues, unexplained swelling, or blood in the urine should always be checked by a doctor — treat this as food-based support only.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Tea-tree mushrooms (cha shu gu): traditionally associated with nourishing the kidneys, supporting the spleen, and easing urination.
- Black soybeans (hei dou): classically linked with supporting the kidneys.
- Red dates (hong zao): support the spleen and add natural sweetness.
- Pork shin (zhu zhan): lean meat that gives the soup body.
Ingredients (4 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh tea-tree mushrooms | ~113 g (3 taels) | Trim the stem ends, rinse; or use ~38 g dried |
| Black soybeans | ~38 g (1 tael) | Rinse and soak |
| Red dates | 6 | Reduce to 3–4 if watching blood sugar |
| Pork shin | 1 piece | Blanch first |
Method
- Trim and rinse the tea-tree mushrooms. Rinse and soak the black beans. Blanch the pork shin.
- Put everything in a pot with 8 bowls of water and simmer down to 4 bowls.
- Drink the soup and eat the ingredients.
Bro Niu’s tips
This soup is warming and kindly to the stomach — the whole family can drink it. It’s also said to be helpful for people watching their blood pressure and cholesterol. You can use about 38 g of dried tea-tree mushrooms if fresh aren’t available; both fresh and dried are available at Chinese or Asian grocers, or online.
Community questions answered (selected)
- Q (anonymous): Can I use dried tea-tree mushrooms? Bro Niu: Yes — use about 38 g (1 tael) of dried tea-tree mushrooms.
- Q (yvonne, 45): I have high blood pressure, protein in my urine, and diabetes. Can I drink this soup? Bro Niu: With those conditions you can drink this soup — just reduce the red dates to 3–4.
- Q (汶浩): I bruise easily / have blood-deficiency and an over-heated gut, so heating foods give me constipation. I want this soup but worry it’ll block me up. Bro Niu: This tea-tree mushroom and black bean soup isn’t a “heating” soup; you can add dried figs to help keep the bowels moving. It’s fine even during your period.
Published October 19, 2011 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
