Soups
Green Papaya, Shiitake, Moth Bean, Peanut and Cashew Soup
traditionally used to nourish skin, support digestion, and strengthen the spleen and kidneys
Why people make this soup
Green (unripe) papaya — firm, pale-yellow, and slightly astringent — is available at Chinese or Asian grocers and online. In traditional Cantonese food therapy, green papaya is prized for supporting the skin from within: its enzymes assist digestion, help break down excess body fat, and are traditionally associated with balancing hormonal metabolism in younger adults. Regular consumption is believed to reduce facial pigmentation and improve acne-prone skin. For women, it also has a traditional reputation for stimulating the natural production of breast tissue.
Paired with shiitake mushrooms, moth beans, red-skin peanuts, and cashews, this substantial soup also supports the spleen, drains dampness, and nourishes the kidneys. It is traditionally associated with helping to prevent osteoporosis, and is beneficial for those with rheumatic or joint pain. Bro Niu describes the finished dish as clear and moistening — not too warming, not too cooling — making it suitable for the whole family.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Suitable for most adults and children; balanced in nature
- Particularly good for: skin health, digestive weakness, post-illness recovery, low milk supply in nursing mothers (see tips below), those with rheumatic or joint pain
- People recovering from chronic gastritis or digestive issues may find this especially helpful
- Pregnant women must not use green papaya — substitute with chayote
- Cashews can be replaced with walnut halves (he tao) if unavailable
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Green papaya (qing mu gua): Contains papain and other enzymes that support digestion and are associated with breaking down fats. Traditionally used for skin-brightening, reducing pigmentation, and supporting hormonal balance.
- Dried shiitake (dong gu): Deeply savoury and nourishing; supports the immune system, digestive function, and is among the most widely consumed medicinal mushrooms in Chinese cooking.
- Moth beans (mei dou): A small legume that strengthens the spleen, drains dampness, and gently supports kidney function.
- Red-skin peanuts (hong yi hua sheng): The red skin of the peanut is particularly associated with supporting blood production and platelet health in traditional food therapy.
- Cashews (yao guo): Nourish the kidneys, support bone health, and add a pleasant creaminess to the soup.
Ingredients (4–5 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Green (unripe) papaya | 1 whole (~400–500 g) | Peel and cut into chunks |
| Dried shiitake mushrooms | 6 caps | Soak until soft; remove stems |
| Moth beans (mei dou) | ~38 g (1 liang) | Soak and rinse |
| Red-skin peanuts | ~38 g (1 liang) | Soak and rinse; keep the red skin on |
| Cashew nuts | ~38 g (1 liang) | Soak and rinse; or substitute walnut halves |
Method
- Peel the green papaya and cut into large chunks.
- Soak dried shiitake mushrooms in water until fully softened; remove stems.
- Soak moth beans, peanuts, and cashews; rinse.
- Combine all ingredients in a pot with 7 to 8 bowls of water (approximately 1.75 to 2 litres).
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1.5 hours.
- Serve; eat both the soup and the solid ingredients.
Bro Niu’s tips
This soup is clear and nourishing — neither warming nor cooling, suitable for all ages. It is also helpful for people with chronic atrophic gastritis, nursing mothers with low milk supply, and those with digestive weakness. Pregnant women must avoid green papaya and can use chayote as a safe, flavourful substitute — chayote is one of the most nutritionally balanced vegetables among the gourd family. You can add meat or fish to this soup if you prefer a heartier version.
Community questions answered (selected)
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Q (anonymous): Can walnuts be used instead of cashews? Bro Niu: Yes, walnut halves work as a substitute.
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Q (Wai Wilson): My wife is pregnant and cannot use green papaya — is there a substitute that still supports skin hydration? Bro Niu: For pregnancy, substitute chayote (合掌瓜). It is neutral in nature, and among all the gourd vegetables it has the most well-rounded nutritional profile. You can also add snow fungus (xue er / bai mu er) and figs for extra moistening effect.
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Q (anonymous): Can breast cancer patients drink this soup? Bro Niu: Yes, they can drink this soup. As a general guideline for those with breast cancer, avoid high-fat foods and minimize “stimulating” foods such as goose, eel, shrimp, crab, mango, and pork neck.
Published September 22, 2018 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 3 min read.
