Soups
Snow Pear, North and South Almond, and Tangerine Cake Soup
traditionally used to moisten the lungs, ease dry throat, and soothe seasonal coughs
Why people make this soup
Early winter is described in Chinese wellness as “fire returning to the organs” — a time when the lungs and stomach are most vulnerable to dryness. If your diet has been a little too spicy or rich, or if the cold, dry air has simply gotten to you, you might notice a dry, scratchy throat, a persistent tickle that makes you want to clear your throat, or the odd dry cough without feeling sick. This is typically a lung-dryness pattern rather than an infection. Snow pear is one of the most valued ingredients in Cantonese food therapy for exactly this — it is gently cooling, produces fluids, and traditionally soothes the lungs and stomach. Paired with almonds and tangerine cake, this is a simple, pleasant drink for the whole family during the dry months.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Suitable for all ages, including children — mild, gentle, and sweet without added sugar
- Particularly helpful for dry-type coughs, tickly throat, mouth dryness, and early-winter dryness discomfort
- Also beneficial for those with bronchitis or lung-heat coughs — safe for regular use
- Suitable for children from about 18 months upward
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Snow pear / ya pear (xue li): Gently cooling and fluid-producing; traditionally one of the premier foods for moistening the lungs, clearing mild heat, easing thirst and throat irritation. The skin is kept on because the pear peel is traditionally associated with dissolving phlegm — wash thoroughly in salt water first to remove pesticide residue.
- South and north almonds (nan bei xing): The “south” (sweet) almond is nourishing and moistening; the “north” (bitter) almond has a stronger phlegm-resolving and cough-settling action. Using both in combination provides a balanced effect. Note: north (bitter) almonds contain a small amount of amygdalin — this is significantly reduced by cooking.
- Tangerine cake (ju bing): Preserved tangerine cake, available at Chinese herbal medicine shops; it contains vitamins A, C, and P, and is traditionally used to regulate qi, dissolve phlegm, and ease chest congestion. It also adds a pleasant sweetness to the drink.
Ingredients (4 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Snow pear / ya pear | 2 medium | Wash skin in salt water, keep skin on, remove core and slice |
| South and north almonds (nan bei xing) | 37 g (1 liang) | Rinse briefly |
| Tangerine cake (ju bing) | 2–3 pieces | Cut into chunks; available at Chinese herbal medicine shops |
| Water | 6–7 bowls (~1 L) | — |
Method
- Wash the snow pears thoroughly in lightly salted water to remove pesticide residue. Keep the skin on — the peel contains phlegm-dissolving compounds. Core and cut into chunks.
- Rinse the almonds briefly. Cut the tangerine cake into chunks.
- Combine all ingredients in a pot with 6–7 bowls of water.
- Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a gentle simmer.
- Cook for 30 minutes until the liquid reduces to about 4 bowls.
- Serve warm or at room temperature. Drink freely; this can be used as a tea throughout the day.
Bro Niu’s tips
The pear peel is worth keeping — it contains active compounds for phlegm and cough, so do not discard it. Just make sure to soak the pears in salt water first to reduce pesticide residue. This drink is very gentle and safe for the whole family, including young children (from about 18 months). It is also beneficial for those with bronchitis and lung-heat coughs, and can be taken regularly through the season. If you want to make it with dried pear instead of fresh, use about 10–12 slices, cored.
Community questions answered (selected)
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Q (reader, regarding COVID-19 sore throat): Can north almond, lily bulb, and snow pear help with a sore throat from COVID-19? Bro Niu: This drink is gentle enough to use. If the throat is particularly sore, add one-quarter of a monk fruit (jin luo han guo) or 4–5 pang da hai (sterculia seeds) to the pot while cooking — both help soothe and clear an inflamed throat.
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Q (Cindy): My 15-year-old son has had two nosebleeds recently. He blows his nose too hard and the air is very dry. Is there something he can drink? Bro Niu: The very dry weather can easily cause nasal lining to break and bleed when the nose is blown hard. Try simmering imperata root (mao gen, 1 bunch), 2 snow pears (cored), and 3 lotus root nodes (lian ou jie) in 5 bowls of water for 30 minutes. Take over 3 doses — this is traditionally used to clear heat and gently cool the blood.
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Q (Amy): Can an 18-month-old toddler drink this? Bro Niu: Yes, this snow pear drink is suitable for young children.
Published November 14, 2021 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 4 min read.
