Recipe For The Autumn- Nourishing the Yin

Imperial Lily & Snow Fungus Elixir

Lily • Tremella (Snow Fungus) • Lotus Seed Sweet Soup

If you’re craving something light, silky, and soothing after dinner, this classic Chinese dessert soup is a gem. Tremella (a.k.a. snow fungus) gives the broth a natural, jelly-like silkiness; lily bulbs and lotus seeds add tender, creamy bites. It’s lovely warm on cool evenings and just as refreshing chilled.

Why this shines in Autumn

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Autumn aligns with the Metal element and the Lungs, and its hallmark quality is dryness. As the air gets cooler and drier (even if it rains in Seattle, think of the fact that most of us stay longer as the temperature drops while the space heater is running all the time), many people do well with yin-nourishing, moistening foods—gentle dishes that comfort without weighing you down. This sweet soup is exactly that.

Ingredient spotlights (TCM-inspired, educational only):

Snow fungus (tremella): traditionally used to moisten Lung yin—that’s the soothing, silky quality people love in this soup.
Lotus seeds: often enjoyed to clear residual heat and settle irritability; keeping the tiny green germ adds a faint herbal note, removing it softens any bitterness.
Lily bulbs: classically used to ease restlessness or low mood as seasons shift cooler.

These notes reflect culinary tradition and TCM perspective—not medical claims.

Sourcing & quality (important!)

As with many botanicals, contamination in some Chinese herbs can be a concern. Buy from reputable sellers and, when possible, ask for a Certificate of Analysis (COA).

Snow fungus (tremella): We recommend the tremella from your local Asian Supermarket (or order online if unavailable). Choose pieces that look naturally yellowish or off-white. Avoid stark white—that can indicate bleaching. Rinse well and discard the first soak water.
From our clinic: We offer organic lily bulbs and lab-tested lotus seeds at Hopespring Wellness. If you’d like the same clinic-grade ingredients we use, we’re happy to help (call 425-392-8881).

The quick recipe (serves ~6)

You’ll need: 15 g dried tremella • 20 g dried lily bulbs (or 80–100 g fresh) • 30 g dried lotus seeds • 6 red dates (pitted) • 10 g goji berries • 20–40 g rock sugar (or turbinado/maple) • 1.8 L water

Optional: tiny piece dried tangerine peel or a pinch of edible osmanthus

Stovetop:

Soak lotus seeds for 6 hours or the night before.
Add water, tremella, lotus seeds, red dates to a pot. Bring to a boil, then gentle simmer 50–60 min until the broth turns slightly viscous.
Add lily bulbs and simmer 10–15 min.
Stir in goji and sweetener for 5–10 min.
Off heat, finish with osmanthus or tangerine peel; cover 2–3 min to infuse.

Instant Pot: High pressure 30-60 min (120 min for best texture) with water + tremella + lotus + dates → natural release → Sauté with lily 10–12 min, then goji + sweetener 5 min. Cover 2–3 min to bloom the aroma. Texture ratio tip: tremella (dry) : water ≈ 1 : 120 (15 g : 1.8 L) for a silky body without getting gluey.

Make it yours

More silky: simmer 30 minutes or longer; add a splash of hot water if it gets too thick.
Lighter & brighter: use less sugar and finish with 1–2 drops of lemon juice off heat.
Tea-scented: replace 20–30% of the water with white tea or osmanthus oolong.
Coconut “pudding” style: stir in ⅓–½ cup unsweetened coconut milk off heat; chill until softly jellied.

Storage

Cool quickly (set the pot in an ice-water bath).

Refrigerate: up to 3 days.
Freeze: up to 2 months.Reheat gently with a splash of water. If adding dairy or coconut milk, enjoy within 48 hours.

FAQ

Why is my snow fungus so white?

High-quality tremella is slightly yellowish/off-white. Bright white can mean bleaching. Choose naturally colored pieces and rinse well.

Can I make it sugar-free?

Yes. Let the red dates do the sweetening, or add a small amount of your preferred alternative sweetener. Start low; you can always add more.

Is this kid-friendly?

Usually yes—especially the low-sugar version. As with any new ingredient, start with a small serving and watch for individual sensitivities.

At Hopespring Wellness, we love simple, beautiful foods that support seasonal living. If you make this Imperial Lily & Snow Fungus Elixir, tag us—we’d love to see your spin. And if you want the exact ingredients we use, ask about our organic lily bulbs and lotus seeds, or where to find the tremella we recommend.