Chinese Yam, Goji Berry and Maca Root Pork Soup

Why people make this soup

Bro Niu was curious after spotting fresh maca root from Sichuan at an organic shop — a vegetable that originates in the high Andes of Peru and has earned the nickname “Peruvian ginseng.” Research associates maca with supporting hormonal balance, combating fatigue, improving fertility, easing menopausal symptoms, and reducing anxiety. When he tried it in a soup with Chinese yam and goji berries, the flavour surprised him: clean, fragrant, and faintly sweet — reminiscent of fresh ginseng or dang shen. No adverse effects were apparent in the research he reviewed, and paired with classic tonic ingredients, it becomes a pleasant everyday wellness soup for adults.

Who it suits / who should be cautious

• Suitable for adult men and women looking for a gentle daily tonic soup, particularly those experiencing fatigue or menopausal symptoms.
• Women of any age are welcome to drink this — it is not restricted to any one life stage.
• Children should NOT drink this soup — maca is a potent tonic and too stimulating for young constitutions.
• Those with impaired kidney function should avoid — the tonic load may be too much for compromised kidneys.
• Do not drink strong tea or eat white radish on the same day, as these are believed to interfere with tonic herbs.
• If you experience throat soreness or signs of overheating after drinking, stop and let your constitution recover before resuming.

Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)

• Maca root (ma ka guo): A root vegetable from Peru’s Andes; research suggests support for hormonal balance, fatigue reduction, and general vitality; has a naturally sweet, mild flavour when cooked.
• Fresh Chinese yam (xian huai shan): Gently tonifies the spleen, lung, and kidney; helps the body absorb the tonic benefits of the other ingredients.
• Goji berries (gou qi zi): Traditionally associated with nourishing the liver and kidney, supporting eye health, and contributing mild immune support.
• Lean pork: Provides protein and a neutral, grounding base that balances the tonifying herbs without excess heat.

Ingredients (4 bowls)

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Fresh Chinese yam	75 g	Peeled, sliced
Fresh maca root	2 roots	Rinsed, sliced
Goji berries	12 g	Rinsed, soaked briefly
Fresh ginger	2 slices
Lean pork	225 g	Blanched
Water	8 bowls (~2 litres)

Method

1. Blanch the lean pork briefly in boiling water to remove impurities; drain and rinse.
2. Peel the Chinese yam and slice. Rinse the maca roots and slice. Rinse the goji berries.
3. Place all the ingredients into a pot with 8 bowls of water.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer for 2 hours until the liquid reduces to about 4 bowls.
5. Season with salt and serve. Eat the soup along with the yam, pork, and maca.

Bro Niu’s tips

Even though maca is not a member of the ginseng family, treat it like a tonic herb: avoid strong tea and white radish on the same day as this soup, as these may counteract the tonic effect. Dried maca works just as well as fresh. Both men and women can enjoy this soup. If you find fresh maca at a Chinese herb shop or organic store, Peruvian-origin maca is generally considered the gold standard, though Sichuan-grown varieties are increasingly available and work well in soups.

Community questions answered (selected)

• Q (reader): My mother is 66, has diabetes and impaired kidney function — can she have this soup? Bro Niu: This soup is not suitable for those with impaired kidney function.

• Q (reader, 黄妹): Can a 4-year-old child drink this maca soup? Bro Niu: Children should not drink maca soup. Any soup that is strongly tonic or yang-supporting should be avoided for young children.

• Q (ROSITA): Can dried maca be used in this soup? Can women drink it? Bro Niu: Dried maca works the same way, and women can certainly drink it.

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Published February 27, 2015 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 3 min read.