Double-Steamed Snow Pear with Fritillaria Bulb Recipe 冰糖川貝燉雪梨 is one of my go-to recipes whenever I am sick or can't get rid of the nagging persistent cough that just won't go away. This natural Chinese Medicinal Food Therapy is for anyone who hates taking medicine, pills or cough syrup! There is no downside, like drowsiness or disgusting tastes of cough syrups.
This traditional steamed pear recipe tastes much like a dessert. It is perfect for anyone suffering from seasonal dry chronic cough because it goes down easy and gives your dry throat and lungs a much-needed hug! The yin-moistening quality of this dessert soup will help you soothe and reduce swelling, nourish lungs, clear phlegm and reduce heat.
咳個不停: 川貝有化痰止咳、清熱潤燥、消腫散結功效，川貝由於性微寒, 只適用於治療熱咳、燥咳，如乾咳或痰黃，或口乾舌燥等症狀
> In This Post: Everything You'll Need For The Best Stew Snow Pear Chuan Bei Mu Recipe
This Traditional Chinese Medicine recipe with just three ingredients is easy and can be made without added sugar. Snow pears are naturally sweet. Adding rock sugar will help further mask the slightly bitter taste from Fritillaria Bulb 川貝. In addition, rock sugar clears heat and nourishes Yin.
Check out this quick story summary of our recipe!
Jump to:
- > In This Post: Everything You'll Need For The Best Stew Snow Pear Chuan Bei Mu Recipe
- What is Fritillaria Bulb?
- How To Select and Buy Fritillaria Bulb 如何選擇和購買靓川贝
- Health Benefits & TCM Properties
- Ingredients and Substitutes
- Instructions
- Other Delicious TCM Recipes
- > Recipe Card
- Double-Steamed Snow Pear with Fritillaria Bulb Recipe 川貝燉雪梨
What is Fritillaria Bulb?
Fritillaria (川貝, Chuān bèi) is a type of perennial, bulbous flowering plant belonging to the lily family. It is found in temperate regions in the Northern Hemisphere. Many species of Fritillaria are toxic.
Fritillaria tastes bitter and sweet. It is cool in nature and enters the Heart and Lung organ affinity. Chuan Bei Mu (Fritillaria Bulbs) is used in TCM
to clear hot phlegm and stop chronic coughs. Clearing lung heat by Yin deficiency, dissolves phlegm, and reduces inflammation and swelling.
Yellow Himalayan fritillary (Fritillaria cirrhosa) is commonly used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat respiratory conditions such as:
- Asthma
- Bronchitis
- Cough
- Hypertension
- Pneumonia
- Swelling
- Tuberculosis
Many of the medicinal applications of Fritillaria are connected to the lungs. In traditional Chinese medicine, Fritillaria is known for its ability to eliminate and decrease the production of phlegm and mucus by cooling and moistening the lungs and reducing inflammation. Fritillaria also has potent antitussive properties, providing relief from coughs.
Fritillaria Bulb can be purchased in bulb or powder form at your local Chinese herbal store.
咳個不停，很多人會食用川貝. 川貝有化痰止咳、清熱潤燥作用，配上百合和雪梨，滋養潤肺.
How To Select and Buy Fritillaria Bulb 如何選擇和購買靓川贝
I suggest buying whole grain rather than purchasing the powder form when selecting Fritillaria. It is easier to distinguish whether it is genuine.
The original Fritillaria Bulb is typically spherical shaped and has a diameter of 2mm. The shape of the Chuanbei is structured with a large flap, hugging a smaller flap. If you look closely, the middle has the shape of a crescent moon.
Pre-polished Fritillaria Bulb's original colour is light brown. Most market Fritillaria is treated and bleached to be pearly white. Coffee brownish-yellow Fritillaria Bulb has become harder to buy, so it is essential to soak it in water to remove impurities before consuming.
Also, Pingbei 平貝 is cheaper than Chuanbei 川貝.
Health Benefits & TCM Properties
The two other ingredients paired in this recipe also contain medicinal benefits.
Snow Pears (雪梨, Xuělí) - Snow Pears are Asian pears and are very different from Western pears. Using a mix of pear types of western varieties is not recommended. Snow pears are thirst-quenching and lung-moisturizing. Snow pears are excellent and naturally soothe dry throats during the fall and winter seasons of dryness and reduce phlegm. Plus, Chinese pears contain high amounts of B Vitamins. This fruit is best for preventing dryness, clearing heat, detoxifying and moistening the organs.
Although pears can clear the heart and nourish the lungs, they are cool in nature and taste bitter and sweet. Therefore, people with weak constitutions and cold coughs should not eat them raw. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the central part of the medicine is in the skin. Snow pear can provide maximum benefit and the strongest medicinal effect when stewed. It is more effective in relieving cough and moisturizing the lungs with the skin on when cooking.
Rock Sugar (冰糖, Bīngtáng) - The soothing taste of rock sugar is the perfect addition to sweet dessert soup. This natural sweetener invigorates the central meridian, improves Qi, moisturizes the lungs, quenches thirst and relieves dry cough and phlegm. In addition, rock sugar clears heat and nourishes Yin.
Snow Fungus (雪耳, Xuě ěr) - Tremella Fuciformis is an excellent addition to this nourishing soup to treat sore throats. Snow fungus suits people with Lung Qi and Lung Yin Deficiencies - chronic cough and dry cough with no phlegm. It also helps to nourish dry skin and constipation. This dried fungus is inherently sweet and helps tonify Yin deficiencies.
Silver Ear Fungus moistens the stomach, kidneys, and lungs meridians. Its natural antioxidant properties prevent cell damage by free radicals, hydrating and rejuvenating the skin. This is a very safe ingredient and can be eaten freely as food. Snow Fungus is rich in plant collagen for vegan recipes, making it an excellent bird nest and meat substitute. Its gel-like properties increase the creaminess of the texture of the soup.
Most dry goods ingredients, tools and supplies can be purchased at your local Asian markets or Chinese grocery stores or Amazon Online.
Ingredients and Substitutes
- Snow Pear
- Fritillaria Blub
- Rock Sugar - if you cannot find rock sugar, Raw Honey can be used as a substitute. Honey (蜂蜜, Fēngmì) is sweet and neutral (balance between yin and yang energy). That means it soothes, moistens and nourishes the lungs, Yin, spleen and stomach and restores Qi.
Optional Ingredients
- Fresh Lily Bulb 鮮百合
- Snow Fungus 雪耳
Instructions
Soak the herbs in a small bowl in cold water for 10 minutes to remove traces of impurities. This will help remove dust and debris. Rinse and set aside in a small bowl.
Wash and pat dry snow pears. Cored pear and cut the snow pears into small pieces, approximately 2 inches.
Add sliced Fritillaria Bulb, snow pears and rock sugar in a ceramic stewing pot. The glass double boiler with the Buydeem Health Beverage Maker is also excellent.
Although not all Chinese herbs react with metal, it is best not to use a metal pot when making Chinese medicinal herbal soups.
Do not add water inside the stewing ramekin. The natural juices of snow pears will release as they are stewed. Cover the stew pot to ensure none of the liquid escapes.
Method One: Add one litre of water to the Buydeem Health Beverage Maker and insert a glass double boiler. Set to Herbal mode to stew for 120 minutes.
Method Two: Place wire rack into InstantPot and add approximately 1 cup of water to the bottom. Place ramekin on top of wire rack. Set InstantPot to manual high pressure for 1 hour.
Method Three: Add a few inches of water to the bottom of a large pot. Then, place the ceramic stew pot on top of a wire rack. Stew over medium heat for 2 hours.
Serve and enjoy.
I guarantee this healing Chinese dessert and natural cough medicine will become part of your favourite holistic wellness routine in the winter!
Other Delicious TCM Recipes
Find the harmony you miss with this delicious, immune-boosting, nutritious soup menu. Take back control of your mood and recharge energy levels by balancing your hormones and minerals with different soups. A bowl of nourishing soup is the quintessential embodiment of easily digestible southern Chinese cooking.
- Apple and Snow Pear Soup 蘋果雪梨無花果瘦肉湯
- Moisturizing Apple Sea Coconut Soup 雪梨蘋果海底椰玉竹無花果湯
- Papaya Dessert with Snow Fungus 木瓜雪耳糖水
- Red Bean Soup with Coconut Milk 椰汁紅豆沙
I'd love to see how you went with my recipes! Leave a comment below or tag me on Instagram @INSTANOMSS #INSTANOMSS.
> Recipe Card
PrintDouble-Steamed Snow Pear with Fritillaria Bulb Recipe 川貝燉雪梨
Double-Steamed Snow Pear with Fritillaria Bulb Recipe 川貝燉雪梨 This Chinese Medicinal food therapy is perfect for seasonal coughs that are persistent . This delicious and easy to make recipe will help you soothe and reduce swelling, nourish lungs, clear phlegm and reduce heat.
咳個不停: 川貝有化痰止咳、清熱潤燥、消腫散結功效，川貝由於性微寒, 只適用於治療熱咳、燥咳，如乾咳或痰黃，或口乾舌燥等症狀
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 120 mins
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Dessert, Medicinal
- Method: Double Steamed, InstantPot
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 19 grams Fritillaria Bulb 川貝 (½ 兩)
- 1 Snow Pear (peeled, core removed, diced or sliced)
- 50 grams Rock Sugar (approx 2 medium sized rocks)
- 2 Fresh Lily Bulbs 鮮百合 (optional)
- 50g Snow Fungus 雪耳 (optional)
Instructions
- Soak the herbs in a small bowl in cold water for 10 minutes to remove traces of impurities. This will help remove dust and debris. Rinse and set aside in a small bowl.
- Wash and pat dry snow pears. Cored pear and cut the snow pears into small pieces, approximately 2 inches.
- Add sliced Fritillaria Bulb, snow pears and rock sugar in a ceramic stewing pot. The glass double boiler with the Buydeem Health Beverage Maker is also excellent.
- Although not all Chinese herbs react with metal, it is best not to use a metal pot when making Chinese medicinal herbal soups.
- Do not add water inside the stewing ramekin. The natural juices of snow pears will release as they are stewed. Cover the stew pot to ensure none of the liquid escapes.
- Method One: Add one litre of water to the Buydeem Health Beverage Maker and insert a glass double boiler. Set to Herbal mode to stew for 120 minutes.
- Method Two: Place wire rack into InstantPot and add approximately 1 cup of water to the bottom. Place ramekin on top of wire rack. Set InstantPot to manual high pressure for 1 hour.
- Method Three: Add a few inches of water to the bottom of a large pot. Then, place the ceramic stew pot on top of a wire rack. Stew over medium heat for 2 hours.
- Serve and enjoy.
Notes
If you do not have an InstantPot, the same results can be achieved over stove top in a pot for 2 hours. Make sure you cover the small ramekin with a lid to maintain pressure and heat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 346
- Sugar: 68.1 g
- Sodium: 33.9 mg
- Fat: 0.6 g
- Carbohydrates: 85.7 g
- Fiber: 9.5 g
- Protein: 4.2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
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Asha says
This is a helpful and informative post regarding this type of Chinese medicine. I love the idea of having something natural to try when Buckley's just isn't cutting it.
Marie-Pierre Breton says
I have this long and lingering cough, too, these days; I'm going to try to find that ingredient in the Asian market and see if Chinese medicine can help me! It looks like a yummy remedy!
Bernice says
I've seen the Fritillaria Bulbs at T & T before and never knew what they were. Thanks for all the wonderful on a new to me ingredient. And, of course the beautiful snow pears are in store right now for Lunar New Year.
dana says
I love learning about Eastern medicine. It's so interesting and as much as I appreciate modern medicine, there are some areas that are just lacking. Thanks for this informative post!
Claudia Cristina Ciorteanu says
This is such an interesting way to get rid of a cold. Love it!
Amy Liu Dong says
Wow! This soup looks incredibly delicious and a healthy one. Perfect for this cold weather! Loved it!
Nancy says
It's my favourite hug in a bowl!
Helen at the Lazy Gastronome says
I love using natural remedies.
Nancy says
us too and this natural cough medicine doesn't taste like cough syrup! it's something you want to eat any day!
Andréa says
Looks delicious!
Nancy says
you bet!!! adult and kids can all enjoy it!
DK says
My first time hearing about Double-Steamed Snow Pear with Fritillaria Bulb - but this dish is really interesting! Sweet like a dessert, with healing properties - I love this!
Nancy says
exactly! It's mother nature's way of healing us!
Jamie says
This was just the thing I needed when I was under the weather. So glad to have this recipe during the winter. Thank you!
Nancy says
I'm so happy to hear that it worked for you!
Daniela says
Loved learning all about Double-Steamed Snow Pear with Fritillaria Bulb Recipe! Such a fascinating recipe
Nancy says
this is a wonderful TCM herbal wellness recipe. I'm so glad you love it!
Jo says
This is a great way to soothe sore throats!
Nancy says
It's so nourishing !! perfect for self-care!
Katie says
Such a fun and delicious recipe! I’ll definitely make again!
Nancy says
hooray!!! you're skin will thank you!
Anaiah says
This is perfect this time of year and sure comes in handy!
Nancy says
we make this allll the time!
Korene says
Hello Nancy, this looks like a delicious dessert and I am going to try it out for my mom. Can you advise how do I do it over the stove for 2 hours? Is it high heat all the way? Thank you in advance 🙂
Nancy says
Hi Korene - once you bring it to a boil, place the ramiken over a trivet, cover lid and reduce heat to a low simmer to double boil for 2 hours. Remember to watch for the water level and avoid it drying it. If you need to add more water, add boiled water to the side of the pot and avoid the ramiken (this way you will keep the temperature consistent).
Marinela says
Delicious homemade treat perfect for soothing your throat. Love that you use wholesome plant-based ingredients for prepping this lovely pear dessert.
Nancy says
We really need to take care of ourselves in the dry winter months!
Choclette says
I love all the new ingredients and ways of doing things you're introducing me too. I'm learning all the time.
Nancy says
Yay! Thanks for your support Choclette!
Andrea says
this looks incredibly soothing! can't wait to try it out! 🙂
Nancy says
you won't be dissapointed!
Luca says
This is really interesting, I am always learning new things here!
Ana says
This is perfect to get rid of those nagging coughs! Unfortunately I don't have a Chinese medicine store near me anymore so have to use powdered form. Hopefully I can try the actual bulbs some day!
Joshua says
Great recipe to have on hand when feeling under the weather! I like how soothing it is.
Jacqui says
Never heard of this before until now, very cool!
Kelly Neil says
You always post the most interesting recipes! I love how simple this is, and have never heard of fritillaria. I now have a new ingredient to ask about the next time I visit our awesome local Asian market!
Nancy says
Hi Kelly, you can find fritillaria in Chinese herbal medicine stores instead of supermarkets 🙂
Isabelle @ Crumb says
This looks like such a delicious way to treat a cough or cold. I've never tried fritillaria bulb before, but this recipe sounds really easy and straightforward to prepare. Will have to keep an eye out the next time I'm at the Chinese supermarket!
Nancy says
Isabelle you will need to visit a Chinese herbalist/ pharmacies for fritillaria bulb. They are not commonly in supermarkets. But yes, it is super nourishing, good for your skin and most important soothes your throat!!