Dragon Fruit Flower Soup – A Delicate and Nutritious Herbal Dish

The dragon fruit flower, also known as the “Flower of the King”, is a rare yet highly nutritious ingredient that holds great value for both health and cuisine.

Though often overlooked, this beautiful blossom is actually an edible vegetable that offers an impressive range of benefits. According to traditional Eastern medicine, dragon fruit flowers are rich in plant-based protein, soluble fiber, vitamins, and anthocyanins — powerful natural antioxidants known for their ability to slow down aging, detoxify the body, and promote inner balance.

Not only that, this special flower can help relieve coughs, improve eyesight, and support respiratory health. Being low in calories and fat, it’s an ideal ingredient for those following a healthy, balanced diet. When cooked in soup, the dragon fruit flower releases a naturally sweet, refreshing flavor, creating a dish that cools the body, soothes the lungs, and replenishes energy during hot summer days.

🌸 Ingredients

• Pork bones: 400 g

• Dried dragon fruit flowers: 50 g

• Dried tangerine peel: 1 piece

• Polygonatum root (Ngọc trúc): 3 stems (available at herbal stores)

• Glehnia root (Sa sâm): 1 root (available at herbal stores)

• Fox nuts (Hạt khiếm thực): 1 handful (available at herbal stores)

• Dried black fungus (Mộc nhĩ): 3 g

• Carrot: 1 piece

🍲 Preparation Steps

Step 1: Preparing the Pork Bones

• Rinse the pork bones thoroughly under cold water and chop them into medium pieces.

• Blanch the bones in boiling water for 3–5 minutes to remove impurities and odor.

• Take them out, rinse again with clean water, and let them drain.

Step 2: Preparing Other Ingredients

• Gently rinse the dragon fruit flowers to keep their natural shape intact. Soak them in water for about 5–10 minutes to soften.

• Soak the black fungus until expanded, trim off the hard base, and wash clean.

• Quickly rinse Polygonatum root, Glehnia root, and fox nuts with cool water.

• Peel and cut the carrot into thick slices.

• Rinse the dried tangerine peel briefly to remove dust.

Step 3: Making the Soup Base

Pour about 2 liters of water into a large pot. Add the tangerine peel and bring to a boil — this step helps create a fragrant base.
Once the water is boiling, add the blanched pork bones. Cover and simmer on low heat for about 20 minutes to let the flavor develop.

Step 4: Stewing the Soup

When the bones are tender, add all remaining ingredients: dragon fruit flowers, Polygonatum root, Glehnia root, fox nuts, black fungus, and carrots.
Continue simmering over medium heat for about 1 hour so all ingredients can release their natural sweetness into the broth.

If the soup reduces too much, add a bit of hot water to maintain the level. Avoid adding cold water, as it can interrupt the stewing process and affect the taste.

Step 5: Final Touches

After about an hour, the soup should turn a light golden color with a gentle herbal aroma.
Season lightly with a pinch of salt to taste, then turn off the heat.

Step 6: Serving

Ladle the soup into bowls and serve warm. The broth is clear, fragrant, and delicately sweet from the flowers and herbs. The pork bones are soft and flavorful, while the vegetables bring a satisfying texture.

This dish is perfect for the whole family, especially during dry or hot weather, as it helps cool down the body, moisturize the lungs, and restore vitality.

🌿 Cooking Tips

• Handle the dragon fruit flowers gently — do not rub or squeeze them too hard to preserve their shape and aroma.

• The dried tangerine peel not only enhances the fragrance of the broth but also helps remove the meaty odor from the bones.

• For extra depth, you can add a few red dates or goji berries to make the soup slightly sweeter and more nourishing.

• This soup can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; just reheat gently before serving.

✨ A Hidden Gem in Asian Cuisine

While dragon fruit flowers are not as commonly used as other herbs, they are a true culinary gem. Their mild floral flavor, paired with natural herbal sweetness, creates a dish that is both nutritionally rich and emotionally comforting — a reminder that nature often hides its treasures in the simplest forms.

Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a bowl of pure wellness and delicate beauty in every spoonful!