How to cook ginseng soup?

1. Before cooking ginseng soup, first understand these two key points.

a.Choose the right ginseng: Select the type based on your constitution.  

• Red ginseng: Warm in nature, suitable for those who are sensitive to cold and have cold hands and feet. The soup it produces is rich and flavourful.  
• Sun-dried ginseng / Forest-grown ginseng: Neutral in nature, suitable for most people. The soup has a sweet and refreshing taste without being overly drying.  
• American ginseng: Cool in nature, suitable for those prone to heatiness or who stay up late. The soup has a slightly bitter taste.

Key note: Beginners are advised to start with sun-dried ginseng, as it has a higher tolerance and is less likely to cause over-tonification.

b.Preparing ginseng: Don't just throw it into the pot!

• Fresh ginseng: Wash off the soil, remove the root hairs (the root hairs can be boiled separately), and slice or boil whole.
• Dried ginseng: Soak in warm water for 30 minutes beforehand to soften the ginseng and release its medicinal properties more easily.

2. Three classic ginseng soup recipes that are simple and delicious

a. Basic recipe: Ginseng chicken soup (suitable for the whole family)

• Ingredients: 1 root of sun-dried ginseng (about 10 grams), half a free-range chicken, 5 red dates, a small handful of goji berries, 2 slices of ginger
• Steps: Blanch the chicken to remove any blood, then drain and set aside. Add water to a clay pot (enough to cover the ingredients), add the chicken, ginseng, and ginger slices, bring to a boil over high heat, then simmer over low heat for 1.5 hours; Add the red dates and goji berries in the last 30 minutes, season with salt to taste.
• Features: The soup is fresh and delicious, nourishing without being drying, suitable for warming the body in autumn and winter, and suitable for both the elderly and children (children should drink half a bowl at a time).

b. Advanced version: Red Ginseng and Longan Soup (warming and nourishing)

• Ingredients: 5 grams of red ginseng (sliced), 10 longans, and appropriate amount of brown sugar
• Steps: Soak the red ginseng in warm water until softened, and remove the shells from the longan; add 500 ml of water to a pot, add the red ginseng and longan, bring to a boil over high heat, then simmer over low heat for 30 minutes; add brown sugar to taste, turn off the heat, and let it steep for 5 minutes.
• Suitable for: Postpartum women, those with cold hands and feet, and anyone looking to warm up from head to toe during the winter.

c. Refreshing Option: American Ginseng and Ophiopogon Decoction (Essential for Night Owls)

• Ingredients: 5g American ginseng, 10g Ophiopogon, 5g Polygonatum, and appropriate amount of rock sugar
• Steps: Rinse all ingredients and place them in a slow cooker or clay pot; add 800ml water, simmer for 20 minutes, then add rock sugar and simmer for another 5 minutes.
• Features: Clears heat and nourishes yin, alleviates dry mouth and throat, and irritability after staying up late. Also suitable for summer consumption.

3. Four tips for avoiding pitfalls when cooking ginseng soup

• Do not use an iron pot: The components in ginseng react with iron, affecting its efficacy. It is best to use a sand pot, ceramic pot, or glass pot.
• Do not use high heat: High heat can easily boil away the moisture and make the soup bitter. Simmering over low heat will bring out the best flavour.
• Don’t boil for too long: Dried ginseng only needs to be boiled for 1–1.5 hours. Boiling for too long will destroy the active ingredients.
• Use minimal seasoning: Add salt, sugar, and other seasonings at the end, and use sparingly to avoid overpowering the natural flavour of the ginseng.

4. People who drink ginseng soup should pay attention to the following

• ✅ Suitable for: People who are tired and weak, have insufficient blood and energy, or have poor immunity.
  
• ❌ Not suitable for: People with colds or fevers, heatiness (mouth ulcers, constipation), or uncontrolled high blood pressure.
  
• ⚠️ Special groups: Pregnant women and children should consult a doctor before drinking.

The key to cooking ginseng soup lies in its ‘gentle nourishment’—there is no need to pursue complex recipes; simple combinations can actually highlight the nourishing power of ginseng. Try these methods next time and drink up some warm energy! Do you have your own exclusive ginseng soup recipe? Share it in the comments section!