Fig & Pear Stew: The White Dew Season Remedy Your Lungs Will Love

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Fig and pear stew in a white ceramic bowl with a honey dipper and cinnamon stick

Bai Lu, or White Dew (falling between September 7 and 22 in 2026), is the third solar term of autumn. As the saying goes, 'the dew condenses and turns white,' signaling cooler weather and the onset of autumn dryness. Many people start experiencing dry mouth, tight skin, and a scratchy throat during this time. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), this is known as 'autumn dryness harming the lungs.

That is exactly why this fig and pear stew deserves a place on your stove. Two of autumn’s most humble fruits come together in a gently sweet, golden broth that nourishes from the inside out. No fancy equipment, no endless ingredient list — just warmth in a bowl, ready in about 25 minutes.

Why Figs and Pears Belong Together

This pairing is not accidental. It follows the seasonal logic of traditional Chinese dietary therapy — and it happens to taste wonderful.

  • Pears moisten the lungs. In TCM, pears are cooling and moistening: they help clear heat, generate body fluids and calm dry coughs. They also bring soluble fiber and vitamin C to the table.
  • Figs soothe and support digestion. Sweet and neutral in nature, figs nourish the lungs and the large intestine, gently easing digestion and helping the body stay smooth and hydrated.
  • The slow simmer does the work. Gentle heat draws out the fruit’s natural sweetness into a silky amber broth, so you can keep added sugar minimal.

Ingredients

  • 2 ripe pears — skin and core kept, that’s where much of the goodness lives
  • 4–6 fresh figs (or 3–4 dried figs)
  • 4–5 cups water
  • Rock sugar or brown sugar, to taste (rock sugar is the traditional choice for lung health)

How to Make It — 3 Simple Steps

  1. Prep the fruit. Wash the pears and cut them into chunks with the skin and core intact. Halve or quarter the figs so their sweetness can melt into the broth.
  2. Simmer gently. Add water, pears and figs to a pot. Bring to a boil, then lower to a gentle simmer and cook until the pears turn soft and translucent — about 20 minutes.
  3. Sweeten, then serve. Stir in rock sugar or brown sugar near the end, simmer for another 5 minutes, then ladle into bowls and serve warm.
Chef’s tips. Keep the pear skin and core — most of the pectin and moisture are concentrated there. Prefer a deeper autumn glow? Add a small handful of goji berries or 2 red dates with the fruit. And always serve the stew warm: the whole point is to protect the stomach and lungs, not to chill them.

Rock Sugar or Brown Sugar?

Rock sugar is the classic partner for autumn pears — neutral and moisturizing, it supports the lungs without adding heaviness. Brown sugar, being warmer in nature, suits people who tend to feel cold or have a sensitive stomach. Choose according to your own body: most people can simply follow taste.

Who should be careful. This is a sweet dish — if you have diabetes or need to watch your blood sugar, keep portions small and skip the added sugar. Figs have a mild laxative effect, so if your digestion tends toward looseness, enjoy in moderation.

Recipe Card

Prep5 min Cook20 min Total25 min Yield2–3 servings DietVegan

Season: White Dew (Bailu) · Early Autumn · Best served warm

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making dietary changes, especially if you have an existing condition or are pregnant or nursing.

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