Soups
Snow Fungus and Papaya Sweet Soup
Traditionally taken to nourish yin and support the skin and complexion
Why people make this sweet soup
Ripe papaya is rich in beta-carotene, vitamins C and E, polyphenols and flavonoids, and paired with yin-nourishing snow fungus it makes a gentle dessert that traditionally supports the skin and complexion, especially for people who often stay up late and wake with a dry mouth. Bro Niu likes to keep ripe papayas on hand for exactly this kind of simple sweet soup — quick to prepare and easy to enjoy any day of the week.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- People wanting a gentle dessert to nourish the skin and complexion, especially frequent late-nighters with a dry mouth.
- Taken regularly it is traditionally good for the digestion and is associated with helping limit fatty build-up in the liver.
- CAUTION: pregnant women should avoid papaya, as it may cause the uterus to contract.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Ripe papaya (mu gua): Rich in beta-carotene and vitamins C and E, plus polyphenols and flavonoids, traditionally associated with antioxidant support and a healthy complexion. (Unripe papaya is high in fibre and is gentle on the stomach lining.)
- Snow fungus (xue er): A classic yin-nourishing, moistening food that supports the skin.
- Rock sugar (bing tang): Added to taste for a clear, sweet finish.
Ingredients (3 to 4 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ripe papaya (mu gua) | 1 | Peeled, deseeded, cut into chunks |
| Snow fungus (xue er) | ~3 qian (about 11 g) | Soaked soft, stems removed |
| Rock sugar (bing tang) | To taste |
Method
- Peel and deseed the ripe papaya and cut into chunks. Soak the snow fungus until soft and remove the stems.
- Simmer the papaya and snow fungus in 6 cups of water for half an hour until reduced to about 3 to 4 bowls.
- Stir in rock sugar until dissolved. Serve.
Bro Niu’s tips
This sweet soup is clear and tasty, suitable for young and old. Taken regularly it is good for the digestion and is traditionally associated with helping limit fatty build-up in the liver — but pregnant women should avoid papaya, as it tends to cause the uterus to contract.
Community questions answered (selected)
- Q (Granny Li): I’m 70. After taking anti-allergy medicine for nasal allergy, my nose got better, but oddly my skin became itchy once I stopped. I have mild intestinal metaplasia and fatty liver, so I’d rather not take medicine — any food therapy? Bro Niu: You can make a mung bean and Job’s tears sweet soup to help clear heat, resolve toxins and support fluid balance. Or simmer 2 liang fresh tu fu ling (smilax) with 1 liang each of adzuki bean and hyacinth bean and 1 piece of aged tangerine peel with pork ribs — 8 cups of water down to 4 to 5 bowls over 2 hours, taken across 2 days — to help with itchy skin.
Published May 27, 2026 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
