Chinese Wellness · Sweet SoupA silky, naturally sweet bowl of longan, lily, pear and tremella — gentle nourishment in every spoonful.
A bowl of silky, translucent sweet soup that does more than comfort. Longan, lily bulb, snow pear and tremella slow-simmered together is one of the most beloved home-style wellness soups in Chinese seasonal eating — naturally sweet, caffeine-free, and easy to make on a quiet evening.
Why These Five Ingredients?
Each ingredient in this soup plays a specific role, and together they create a gentle, balancing bowl rather than a heavy dessert.
Tremella (white / snow fungus) is the texture hero. Soaked and slow-simmered, it releases silky plant polysaccharides that give the soup its famous "gelatinous" feel. In traditional food wisdom it helps moisten dryness and supports skin hydration from within.
Longan (桂圆 / 龙眼) is a small, sweet fruit traditionally used to nourish the blood and calm the mind. It's often recommended for fatigue, restless sleep, and a pale or tired complexion.
Snow pear is juicy and gently cooling. It helps moisten the lungs and throat — a perfect match for dry autumn and winter air.
Lily bulb (百合) is gently calming, traditionally used to soothe the mind and support restful sleep.
Goji berries (枸杞子) are stirred in at the very end for a bright pop of color and antioxidant support.
Everything you need: tremella, snow pear, longan, lily bulbs and goji berries — with lotus seeds as a lovely optional add-in.
Ingredients
Makes 2–3 servings · Soak 30 min · Simmer about 45–60 min
1 small piece of dried tremella (white fungus), soaked until soft
1 snow pear
about 30 dried longan (shelled)
1 handful of dried lily bulbs
1 handful of goji berries
Optional: lotus seeds, a handful of your favorite dried fruit
How to Make It
Step 1 — Prep. Soak the tremella in warm water until soft, then tear into small pieces. Core and cube the snow pear (keep the skin on if you like — it adds fiber and a pretty pale edge).
Step 2 — Simmer. In a pot, combine the tremella, lily bulbs, longan and snow pear. Add enough water to cover generously. Bring to a gentle boil, then turn to low heat and simmer, partially covered, until the soup turns deep and silky — this is when the tremella releases its gelatin.
Step 3 — Finish. Turn off the heat, stir in the goji berries, and let the soup cool to a warm, drinkable temperature before serving. The goji berries plump up beautifully off the heat.
What It Does For You
Nourishes yin and blood (滋阴补血). Longan and tremella together support gentle, sustained nourishment — ideal for tired, run-down days.
Calms the heart and settles the mind (养心安神). Longan and lily bulb are a classic pair for restlessness and light, dream-disturbed sleep.
Improves complexion (改善气色). Well-hydrated, well-nourished skin shows — regular, gentle bowls can help bring back a healthy glow.
A lovely choice for: anyone feeling tired or pale; people with dry skin or a dry throat in autumn and winter; those who feel restless in the evening and want a caffeine-free, soothing dessert before bed.
Notes & Cautions
Tremella is slippery — chew well, especially when serving children or the elderly.
Watch natural sugars if you have diabetes: longan and pear are naturally sweet, so adjust quantities accordingly.
Pregnancy or specific conditions: check with your healthcare provider before making it a regular habit.
Enjoy it warm, not piping hot — it's gentler on the stomach that way.
Pro Tips
Low heat + patience = silky soup. Rushing on high heat won't give you that famous "出胶" (gelatin-released) texture.
Add goji berries off the heat. Stirring them in after turning off the stove preserves their bright color and nutrients.
Sweetness is optional. Longan and pear already give natural sweetness; add a little rock sugar or honey only if you prefer it sweeter.
Make it a meal. Add lotus seeds or a handful of oats for a heartier, breakfast-worthy bowl.
This article is a seasonal food & wellness share, not medical advice. If you have an underlying condition, are pregnant, or are cooking for young children, check with a healthcare professional first.
