Soups
Green Radish Luo Han Guo Apple Water Chestnut Lean Pork Soup
Traditionally used to soothe the throat, generate fluids, and support antioxidant wellness
Why people make this soup
Green radish may look humble in the vegetable aisle, but it is one of the most medically respected vegetables in Chinese food therapy. Like its white cousin (white radish), it belongs to the cruciferous family and contains sulphur compounds associated with supporting the body’s natural detoxification pathways. But green radish has a slightly stronger action in traditional practice — it is associated with clearing liver heat, supporting qi circulation, and dissolving phlegm and food stagnation. Combined with monk fruit (luo han guo), one of the most potent natural throat-soothing and heat-clearing ingredients in the Chinese pantry, plus crisp water chestnuts and sweet apple, this soup becomes a genuinely pleasant, mildly sweet broth. Bro Niu notes it is especially good for people who smoke or drink frequently, those with persistent dry or scratchy throats, people dealing with phlegmy coughs or congestion, and anyone recovering from the dry mouth and throat irritation that often accompanies cancer treatment.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Suitable for most people; excellent for smokers, frequent drinkers, those with phlegmy coughs, or people experiencing dry throat and mouth (including those in chemotherapy).
- Also well-suited as a general family soup for cardiovascular and digestive health.
- People with a cold or weak digestive constitution should consume in moderation — both green radish and water chestnuts have a cooling nature.
- The whole family, including children, can drink this soup.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Green radish (qing luo bo): A cruciferous vegetable containing sulphur compounds and a specific enzyme that can break down nitrosamines — compounds implicated in digestive tract cancers. In traditional practice, associated with clearing liver heat, moving qi, dissolving phlegm, and supporting digestion. Regular consumption is also associated with supporting healthy blood lipids and vascular flexibility. Green radish can also counteract carbon monoxide exposure, making it a useful ingredient for home cooks exposed to gas stoves regularly.
- Monk fruit / luo han guo (jin luo han guo): One of the most potent natural heat-clearing, throat-soothing ingredients in Chinese food therapy. Contains mogroside compounds which are responsible for its intense sweetness and antioxidant activity. The “golden” variety (fully dried to a golden colour) is considered to have superior flavour and effect.
- Water chestnuts (ma ti): In Chinese food therapy, associated with clearing heat, dissolving phlegm, and counteracting heavy-metal contaminants in water — a traditional reason for home cooks to use them regularly.
- Apple (ping guo): Adds gentle sweetness, dietary fibre, and a balancing effect; also associated with generating body fluids and supporting digestion.
- Lean pork (shou rou): Provides a clean, flavourful protein base without excess fat.
Ingredients (4–5 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Green radish (qing luo bo) | 1 medium | Peeled and cut into chunks |
| Golden luo han guo | half a fruit | Crushed lightly to release flesh |
| Water chestnuts (ma ti) | 6 | Peeled and rinsed |
| Apple | 1 | Peeled, cored and cut into chunks |
| Lean pork | ~225 g (6 liang) | Blanch briefly; slice |
| Water | 7 bowls (~1.75 L) |
Method
- Peel the green radish and cut into chunks. Peel and rinse the water chestnuts.
- Peel and core the apple, cut into chunks.
- Crush the luo han guo lightly to break open the shell and release the inner flesh.
- Blanch the lean pork briefly in boiling water to remove impurities; drain and slice.
- Place all ingredients in a pot with 7 bowls of water.
- Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 1 hour until about 4–5 bowls remain.
- Serve warm. The whole family can drink this soup.
Bro Niu’s tips
Green radish can neutralise carbon monoxide, and water chestnut can help clear heavy metal contamination from water — making this soup particularly relevant for domestic cooks who spend a lot of time near a gas stove. For vegetarians or when pork is expensive, water chestnuts, cashews or legumes can substitute for the meat — the soup remains delicious and nutritious. People with a cold or weak digestive constitution should not drink too much. Regarding the monk fruit: both ordinary luo han guo and the golden variety are cooked with the shell and flesh together — no need to remove either before simmering.
Community questions answered (selected)
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Q (haha): Does the luo han guo need to be cooked with its shell? Bro Niu: Both regular luo han guo and the golden variety are cooked with the shell and flesh together — just crush it lightly and put everything in the pot.
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Q (匿名访客): Can this soup be used for tonsil inflammation (swollen and red)? Bro Niu: Yes, you can drink this soup for tonsil inflammation. Additionally, gargling with salt water several times a day also helps.
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Q (Ada): Pork is very expensive right now — can I use cashews instead? Bro Niu: Cashews or legumes work well as a substitute for the meat.
Published July 13, 2019 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 4 min read.
