Soups
Polygonatum, Goji and Apple Soup
Traditionally replenishes qi, moistens, and harmonizes
Why people make this soup
Bro Niu had working women in mind for this one — people juggling demanding jobs and family who run on tension all day, sometimes to the point of poor sleep and a fluttery, restless feeling. Sea polygonatum is a relative of the polygonatum family, traditionally used to replenish qi and moisten. Paired with goji, fig, and apple, it makes a gentle, naturally sweet bowl that nourishes without being heating — friendly even for people who “can’t take strong tonics.”
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Busy, tired people who feel depleted, with poor sleep or a restless heart; suitable across the whole pregnancy.
- Gentle enough for those who find rich tonics too heating; mild for people watching blood sugar or blood pressure (but for diabetes, go easy on the fig and honey dates).
- Hold off if you currently have a cold or flu.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Sea polygonatum (hai yu zhu): traditionally used to replenish qi and moisten the heart and lungs; tastes good and is usually less sulfur-treated.
- Goji berries (qi zi): traditionally nourishing and brightening.
- Fig and apple (wu hua guo, ping guo): add natural sweetness and moistening.
Ingredients (2 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sea polygonatum | ~11 g | sliced |
| Goji berries | ~15 g | rinsed |
| Dried figs | 3 | sliced |
| Apple | 1 | cored, cut |
| Water | 5 bowls |
Method
- Slice the polygonatum and figs; core and cut the apple; rinse the goji.
- Put everything in the pot with 5 bowls of water.
- Simmer down to 2 bowls (about 1 hour). Drink the soup and eat the ingredients.
Bro Niu’s tips
This soup is traditionally associated with nourishing the skin and is gentle enough for people watching blood sugar or blood pressure. It is mild and harmonizing, suitable for the whole family.
Community questions answered (selected)
- Q (carmen): Is this soup suitable for pregnant women? Bro Niu: Yes, pregnant women can take this soup — suitable throughout the whole pregnancy.
- Q (Tess): How long do I simmer this soup? Bro Niu: Simmer it 1 hour.
- Q (Mei ling): Can a diabetic drink apple, pear, and fig soup? Should I add honey dates? Bro Niu: Diabetics should go easy on figs and honey dates. Apple and pear with almond and snow fungus in a lean-pork soup is fine for diabetics.
Published June 10, 2011 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
