Peach Gum Soup is a warming stewed dessert that has become popular in Hong Kong’s culinary scene over the past two to three years. What exactly is peach gum, and how can it be prepared? What are its benefits? Are there any groups that shouldn’t consume this healthy peach gum soup? Let’s explore the nutritional benefits and contraindications of peach gum:
What is peach gum?
Peach gum is a natural resin secreted from the bark of the peach tree, a member of the Rosaceae family. It forms a gelatinous, solidified substance. After harvesting, it develops into an amber-brown, blocky form. It is used in Traditional Chinese Medicine and as a nourishing ingredient, primarily produced in Yunnan and other regions of China.
Peach gum is known as the “commoner’s bird’s nest.” After being softened, it has a distinctive, springy texture, said to be similar to bird’s nest. Peach gum contains plant-based gums that help nourish the skin and promote gastrointestinal motility.
What are the health benefits of peach gum?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, peach gum promotes fluid production, nourishes yin, and enhances the complexion. Traditionally used medicinally, it’s been used to treat urinary tract stones and promote blood circulation. In recent years, it’s become a popular ingredient in Hong Kong soups, often paired with white fungus, red dates, and longan, especially for women’s health and wellness. Many celebrities use peach gum to maintain their skin’s beauty and complexion.
Peach gum itself is composed of protein, carbohydrates, and dietary fiber. Although it lacks flavor, when combined with various ingredients that nourish the complexion and blood, this dessert seems to possess even more nourishing properties. Let’s see how “Peach Gum Sweet Soup” can be transformed.
Hong Kong Peach Gum Sweet Soup
Peach gum stewed with longan, red dates, lily bulbs, water, and rock sugar is the simplest recipe in Hong Kong.
How to Make Peach Gum Sweet Soup?
Don’t throw peach gum directly into the pot. Pre-cook it by soaking it in water for several hours to allow it to expand before adding it to the other ingredients in the rice cooker. Longan replenishes Qi and calms the mind, red dates enhance beauty, and white lily nourishes the spleen and lungs while maintaining a calm mind. Together, they create a gentle, nourishing, and sweet soup that warms the body. Try this recipe:
Peach Gum and Milk Stew Recipe
Another popular sweet soup dish in Hong Kong is milk stew. This peach gum and milk stew combines papaya, milk, or coconut milk, creating a rich, similar flavor to sago.
- Cut the papaya into pieces and stew it with the peach gum, longan, red dates, and water. Add the milk for the final 5-10 minutes. Adjust the sweetness with rock sugar or coconut milk, and add sago for a richer texture.
- Ripe papaya contains vitamins A and C, which are beneficial for skin antioxidant protection and cell tissue maintenance. Adding a moderate amount of milk also provides nutrients such as protein, potassium, and calcium.
- For this dessert, it’s recommended to enjoy the natural sweetness of the ingredients. Just use coconut milk and rock sugar in moderation, reducing the sugar and calories for a healthier experience.
Peach gum contraindications: These groups shouldn’t consume it.
Those who haven’t tried peach gum yet may want to try it, but it’s not suitable for everyone. Peach gum promotes blood circulation, and the plant-based gum requires proper digestion, making it unsuitable for pregnant women or those undergoing menstruation.
Those with weak constitutions or poor digestion should also avoid peach gum due to its properties. It’s recommended to consult a Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner for more comprehensive recommendations to avoid misuse or overconsumption.
While peach gum has become a popular health food in recent years, don’t forget white fungus, also known as the “plant-based bird’s nest.” When stewed, it releases its gum, which also benefits the lungs, skin, and skin, and is high in dietary fiber.
After cooking, it’s soft, tender, smooth, and delicious, just as delicious as peach gum. Don’t overdo it just to chase trends; a sweet white fungus soup is a simple, nourishing beauty dish. Whether it’s peach gum or white fungus, a bowl of this nourishing sweet soup is perfect for autumn and winter to boost your beauty.
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