Apple & Snow Pear Soup Recipe
Apple & Snow Pear Soup Recipe (3-4 servings)
Time
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 2 hours
Ingredients
- 2 apples
- 2 snow pears (Asian pears)
- 1 lb pork bones (spine, neck bones, or ribs)
- Small handful dried lily bulbs (Bai He)
- 1 tbsp apricot kernels (Nan Xing / Bei Xing)
- 1–2 honey dates (蜜枣)
- ~2.5 liters water
- Pinch of salt
Simple Instructions
1. Blanch the Pork Bones (10 min)
- Put pork bones in cold water and bring to a boil
- Boil 5 minutes, then drain and rinse clean
2. Prep Ingredients (5 min)
- Rinse lily bulbs and apricot kernels
- Wash apples and pears (keep skin on)
- Core and cut into large chunks
3. Simmer the Soup (2 hours)
- Bring 2.5 L water to a boil
- Add all ingredients
- Once boiling, reduce to low heat
- Cover and simmer gently for 2 hours
4. Finish (1 min)
- Skim excess oil if desired
- Add a small pinch of salt to enhance sweetness
Quick Tip
Snow pears (Xue Li) are best, but Asian pears or Bosc pears work well too
Effects/Benefits
Apples – Support digestion, provide antioxidants like quercetin, and help moisten the lungs while reducing dryness (Boyer & Liu, 2004; TCM dietary therapy texts).
Snow Pears (Asian Pears) – Clear heat, moisten the lungs, and help relieve cough and throat dryness (Chinese Pharmacopoeia; TCM materia medica).
Pork Bones – Rich in collagen, amino acids, and minerals that support joint health, gut lining, and overall nourishment (Wu et al., 2017, Journal of Food Science).
Dried Lily Bulbs (Bai He) – Calm the mind, improve sleep, and nourish lung yin to ease dry cough (Chinese Pharmacopoeia; TCM materia medica).
Apricot Kernels (Nan Xing / Bei Xing) – Help stop cough, relieve phlegm, and support respiratory function (Chinese Pharmacopoeia; note: should be used in small, proper amounts).
Honey Dates (蜜枣) – Tonify qi, harmonize the soup, and add gentle sweetness while supporting energy levels (TCM dietary therapy texts).
Water – Essential for hydration, circulation, and nutrient transport throughout the body (Institute of Medicine, 2005).
Salt (small amount) – Enhances flavor and helps maintain electrolyte balance when used moderately (WHO sodium guidelines).
Disclaimer
The information provided on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) food therapy is a complementary approach and should not replace professional medical diagnosis, treatment, or advice.
Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have a medical condition. Individual responses to herbs and foods may vary.