Dragon Fruit Flower (Bawanghua) Lean Pork Soup: Medicinal Diet Recipe

Introduction to Medicinal Diet

Bawanghua lean pork soup is a classic medicinal dietary soup originating from the Lingnan region, widely cherished for its clearing, moistening, and delicious qualities, embodying the principle of food and medicine homology. Bawanghua, also known as sword flower or dragon fruit flower, is the bloom of *Hylocereus undatus* (cactus family), mainly produced in Guangdong and Guangxi, with a long history of consumption in Lingnan folk tradition. Bawanghua is sweet and cool in nature, possessing the dietary therapeutic value of clearing heat, moistening the lung, relieving cough, and transforming phlegm. When simmered with fresh lean pork, the soup becomes clear and bright in color, with a fresh, sweet, and smooth mouthfeel, preserving the original flavor of the ingredients while integrating the health preservation wisdom of medicinal diet.

This soup holds an important place in Cantonese traditional dietary culture, especially suitable for consumption during the dry autumn and winter seasons or during seasonal transitions. *Bawanghua* (Hylocereus undatus, dragon fruit flower) itself is rich in dietary fiber, plant protein, and various minerals. When paired with pork lean meat, which is abundant in high-quality protein and trace elements, it not only provides balanced nutrition but also exerts a synergistic therapeutic dietary effect. In folk practice, *Bawanghua* lean meat soup is often used as an auxiliary dietary therapy for daily health regulation and post-illness recovery. Its mild nature allows most people, regardless of constitution, to enjoy it with confidence.

Characteristics and Selection of Bawanghua (Hylocereus undatus flower, Dragon Fruit Flower)

High-quality Bawanghua (Hylocereus undatus, dragon fruit flower) is characterized by intact flowers, a golden-yellow color, a pliable texture, and a fresh fragrance. Dried Bawanghua is commonly used in culinary preparations; it needs to be fully rehydrated before cooking to restore its tender texture. When selecting lean pork, it is advisable to use pork tenderloin or lean leg meat, as these cuts are tender and low in fat. They complement the clearing and moistening nature of Bawanghua, making the soup clearer and less greasy.

Efficacy of Medicinal Diet

Bawanghua (dragon fruit flower, Hylocereus undatus) and lean pork soup is most renowned for its excellent ability to clear heat and moisten the lung. Bawanghua is sweet and cool in nature, enabling it to clear lung heat and moisten lung dryness. It effectively alleviates symptoms such as dry cough with scant sputum, dry and itchy throat, and hoarseness caused by lung heat. Lean pork, neutral in nature and sweet in flavor, nourishes yin, moistens dryness, and tonifies the middle and boosts qi. The combination of these two ingredients both clears lung heat and nourishes lung yin, making it highly beneficial for autumn dryness damaging the lung or for dry mouth and throat caused by prolonged exposure to air-conditioned environments.

Additionally, this soup has notable effects in moistening the intestines and promoting bowel movements. The mucilage and dietary fiber abundant in Bawanghua (Hylocereus undatus flower, dragon fruit flower) effectively stimulate intestinal peristalsis and soften stools, making it especially beneficial for constipation due to yin deficiency and intestinal dryness. The B vitamins and minerals in lean pork help regulate intestinal nerve function, supporting overall healthy digestive system operation. Regular consumption of Bawanghua and lean pork soup can also assist in lowering blood lipids and improving dry skin conditions, keeping the skin moist and radiant.

Actions of Traditional Chinese Medicine

From the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory, the core mechanism of Dragon Fruit Flower (Flos Hylocerei undati) and Lean Pork Soup is to clear heat and moisten the lungs, resolve phlegm, and stop cough. Dragon Fruit Flower enters the Lung (LU) and Stomach (ST) meridians; its sweet and cool nature can clear and purge lung heat, moisten and nourish lung yin, making it especially suitable for cough due to lung heat or lung dryness. TCM holds that “the Lung is a delicate organ, liking moisture and disliking dryness.” The clearing and moistening properties of Dragon Fruit Flower precisely align with the physiological characteristics of the lung, helping to maintain its normal dispersing and descending functions. Lean pork enters the Spleen (SP), Stomach (ST), and Kidney (KI) meridians, and has the effects of nourishing yin, moistening dryness, and supplementing qi and blood, providing the body with a material foundation of essential substances.

Together, they form a balanced medicinal nature that is clear but not cold, moistening but not greasy. Pitaya flower (Hylocereus undatus) clears the lungs and transforms phlegm, while lean pork nourishes yin and enriches blood. One clears and one supplements, complementing each other perfectly. From the perspective of the Five Phases’ interpromotion and interrestraint relationships, the lung corresponds to Metal and the spleen to Earth. Strengthening Earth to generate Metal is a common TCM regulatory strategy. In this soup, the spleen-fortifying and qi-supplementing action of lean pork indirectly enhances the function of the lung. For conditions such as deficient fire flaring upward and throat discomfort due to lung yin deficiency, as well as shortness of breath, fatigue, and poor appetite due to spleen-lung qi deficiency, this soup can exert a certain restorative effect.

Secrets of Medicinal Diet Formulas and Herb Compatibility

The combination of Hylocereus undatus flower (Bawanghua) and lean pork exemplifies the wisdom of “medicine and food sharing the same origin” in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Although Bawanghua is a food ingredient, its ability to clear heat and moisten the lungs is comparable to certain medicinal herbs. Lean pork, as a substance of blood and flesh, directly supplements and benefits the body’s essence and blood, ensuring that Bawanghua’s heat-clearing action does not deplete the righteous qi. When cooked together, the polysaccharides in Bawanghua and the amino acids in lean pork integrate synergistically. This not only enhances the soup’s flavor but also strengthens the overall effect of nourishing yin and moistening dryness, making the medicinal dietary effect more gentle and enduring.

Suitable Individuals

Bawanghua (Pitaya Flower) Lean Meat Soup has a neutral nature and is widely applicable, especially suitable for the following groups: First, those with Lung Heat and Lung Dryness, often presenting with symptoms such as dry cough with scant sputum, sore and dry throat, dry mouth and tongue, and hoarseness. Consuming this soup can clear Heat and moisten the Lung, alleviating discomfort. Second, those with Yin Deficiency and Intestinal Dryness constipation, particularly the elderly, postpartum women, or long-term bedridden individuals, who experience difficulty in defecation due to Yin deficiency and fluid depletion. This soup can nourish Yin and moisten the Intestines, promoting smooth bowel movements.

Third, individuals who are in prolonged dry environments—such as office workers in air-conditioned rooms, residents in northern regions with heated indoor air, or those experiencing dry skin and dry mouth/nose during autumn and winter—can benefit from regular consumption of this soup to moisturize the skin and maintain respiratory moisture. Fourth, for those recovering from illness or with constitutional weakness, the high-quality protein in pork lean meat is easily digestible and absorbable, while the cooling and moistening nature of Bawanghua (Hylocereus undatus flower, dragon fruit flower) helps prevent excessive tonification, making it an ideal adjunctive dietary therapy. Additionally, for individuals who smoke heavily or have long-term dust exposure, this soup with Bawanghua and pork lean meat can also aid in clearing the lungs and detoxifying.

Contraindicated Individuals

Although Bawanghua (dragon fruit flower, Hylocereus undatus) Lean Pork Soup is neutral in nature, a small number of individuals should exercise caution or avoid it. Those with Spleen and Stomach Deficiency Cold should use it cautiously, as manifested by frequent cold pain in the epigastrium, loose stools, poor appetite, and aggravation upon cold exposure. The sweet and cool nature of Bawanghua may increase the burden on the Spleen and Stomach, potentially leading to diarrhea or indigestion. If such individuals wish to consume it, it is recommended to combine it with moderate amounts of Shengjiang (fresh ginger, Zingiber officinale) and Hongzao (red dates, Ziziphus jujuba) to neutralize its cold nature.

Pregnant women and those during menstruation should consult a professional practitioner before consuming dragon fruit flower (Hylocereus undatus), as it exhibits a blood-invigorating and menstruation-unblocking effect. Excessive intake during pregnancy may cause discomfort. Individuals allergic to pollen or Asteraceae plants should also proceed with caution, as dragon fruit flower, being a floral food ingredient, may contain trace amounts of allergens. Furthermore, it is not recommended for those in the early stage of wind-cold common cold (manifesting as marked aversion to cold, mild fever, clear nasal discharge, and white phlegm), because dragon fruit flower is cold in nature and may hinder the dispersion of wind-cold exterior pathogen. In such cases, the priority should be releasing the exterior with acrid-warm medicinals.

Ingredient formula ratio

The classic Bawanghua (Dried Dragon Fruit Flower) and Lean Pork Soup recipe and proportions are as follows: Dried Bawanghua (Hylocereus undatus – Dragon Fruit Flower) 50 g (approximately 2-3 pieces), fresh lean pork 300 g, fresh ginger (Zingiber officinale) 3 slices (approximately 10 g), red dates (Ziziphus jujuba) 4 pieces (approximately 20 g), goji berries (Lycium barbarum) 10 g, salt (approximately 3 g, adjust to taste). This recipe serves 3-4 people and can be scaled proportionally according to the actual number of servings. Bawanghua is best used in its dried form for culinary purposes; after sun-drying, its cold nature is moderated, and its fragrance becomes more pronounced.

Furthermore, flexible adjustments can be made according to individual constitution and seasonal variations. If the lung heat pattern is severe, add 2 pieces of Fructus Jujubae (honeyed jujube) to enhance the effect of moistening the lungs; if the spleen deficiency pattern is pronounced, add 30 g of Dioscorea opposita (Chinese yam) to strengthen the spleen and supplement qi; if autumn dryness is severe, add 15 g of Glehnia littoralis (sha shen) and 15 g of Polygonatum odoratum (Solomon’s seal) to reinforce nourishing yin and moistening dryness. All ingredients can be obtained from reputable TCM pharmacies or food markets; choose high-quality products that are sulfur-free and free from mold.

Preparation Method

To prepare the Bawanghua (dried dragon fruit flower) lean pork soup, follow these steps: Step 1: Soak the dried Bawanghua in clean water for 30–40 minutes until fully softened. Then rinse thoroughly, trim off the tough stem ends, and tear into small pieces. Set aside. Wash the lean pork and cut into 2–3 cm cubes. Place the pork in a pot with cold water, add a few slices of Zingiber officinale (ginger), bring to a boil over high heat, and skim off any foam. Remove the pork and rinse with warm water. This step removes the meaty odor and blood, ensuring a clear soup.

Step 2: Place the prepared bawanghua (Hylocereus undatus flower), pork lean meat pieces, ginger slices, and red dates (pitted) together into a soup pot. Add enough clear water, approximately 3–4 cm above all ingredients. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low heat and simmer gently for 1.5–2 hours. Wolfberries (Lycium barbarum) are easily overcooked, so add them only 10 minutes before the soup is finished. Step 3: Turn off the heat, add an appropriate amount of salt to season, stir well, and then serve. Note that salt should not be added too early, so as not to affect the tenderness of the meat and the flavor of the soup.

Drinking Tips

First, the Dragon Fruit Flower (Hylocereus undatus) and Lean Meat Soup should be consumed warm, not cold. When taken warm, it best exerts its effects of moistening the Lung (Fei) and harmonizing the Stomach (Wei). Drink it 2-3 times per week—no need to overconsume. In medicated diet therapy, consistency is key; gradual, sustained intake yields the best results. Second, this soup is best kept light and bland. Avoid adding excessive oil, fat, or seasonings, which would mask the distinctive fragrance of the dragon fruit flower. Moreover, excessive greasiness burdens the Spleen (Pi) and Stomach (Wei), thereby hindering the efficacy of this therapeutic dish.

Third, both the Bawanghua (dragon fruit flower, *Flos Hylocerei undati*) and lean meat in the soup are edible. The Bawanghua has a smooth and tender texture, while the lean meat is soft and delicate; consuming them together provides more comprehensive nutrition. Any leftover soup should be sealed and stored in the refrigerator, and consumed within 24 hours. When reheating, ensure it is brought to a full boil. Fourth, if the soup is being used to address cough or constipation, it is recommended to drink it once daily for 3 to 5 consecutive days. Observe the body’s response, then adjust the frequency according to the actual condition. For daily health maintenance, such a high frequency is unnecessary; simply maintain a regular regimen.