Anti-aging Beauty Elixir/Soup Made with Chinese Snow Fungus, Red Jujube Dates & Goji Berries
Anti-aging Beauty Elixir/Soup Made with Chinese Snow Fungus, Red Jujube Dates & Goji Berries✨ is a easy Chinese recipe that serves 4. 75 calories per serving. Recipe by LiLac Life on YouTube.
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 40 min | Total: 1 hr 15 min
Cost: $18.44 total, $4.61 per serving
Ingredients
- 15 g Dried Snow Fungus (Rinse, trim base, soak until fully expanded (about 20‑30 minutes))
- 10 pieces Red Dates (Jujube) (Pit and halve)
- 2 Tbsp Goji Berries (Rinse briefly before adding)
- 1 Tbsp Black Sesame Seeds (Crush lightly with mortar & pestle; optional for hair health)
- 4 cups Water (Prefer filtered or spring water)
Instructions
Rehydrate Snow Fungus
Rinse the dried snow fungus under cold water, trim the tough base, then place it in a bowl of warm water to soak for 20‑30 minutes until fully expanded and soft.
Time: PT20M
Prepare Red Dates
Remove pits from the red dates and cut each date in half lengthwise.
Time: PT5M
Rinse Goji Berries
Place the goji berries in a fine mesh strainer and rinse quickly under running water.
Time: PT2M
Crush Black Sesame Seeds (Optional)
Using a mortar and pestle, gently crush the black sesame seeds until they are coarse, not a fine powder.
Time: PT3M
Start the Soup Base
Add the rehydrated snow fungus and 4 cups of water to the large pot. Bring to a rolling boil over medium‑high heat.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 95°C
Simmer with Dates and Goji
Add the halved red dates and rinsed goji berries to the pot. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer and cook for 30 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
Time: PT30M
Temperature: 95°C
Finish with Black Sesame
Stir in the crushed black sesame seeds just before turning off the heat. Let the soup sit covered for 2 minutes to allow the sesame aroma to infuse.
Time: PT2M
Serve
Ladle the warm soup into bowls and enjoy immediately. It can be served as a dessert or a nourishing snack.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 75
- Protein
- 1 g
- Carbohydrates
- 18 g
- Fat
- 2 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Vegan, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free
Allergens: Sesame
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Dried Snow Fungus: White fungus (tremella), Shiitake mushrooms (different texture)
- Instead of Red Dates (Jujube): Regular dried dates, Fresh dates (adjust sweetness)
- Instead of Goji Berries: Dried cranberries, Dried blueberries
- Instead of Black Sesame Seeds: Toasted white sesame seeds, Omit if allergic
Equipment Needed
- Large Soup Pot
- Mixing Bowl
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Mortar & Pestle (optional)
- Ladle
- Fine Mesh Strainer (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Fully rehydrate the snow fungus so it softens and expands.
- Simmer the soup for at least 30 minutes to extract polysaccharides and flavors from the dates and goji berries.
- Add crushed black sesame seeds at the end to preserve their delicate oils.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Add a small slice of fresh ginger to the broth for extra warmth and digestive benefits.
- For a sweeter profile, use a teaspoon of honey or rock sugar during the simmer stage.
- Serve the soup warm, not hot, to protect the delicate antioxidants in goji berries.
Troubleshooting
Soup is too thin.
Add a few more pieces of rehydrated snow fungus or simmer uncovered for an extra 5‑10 minutes to reduce.
Soup is overly thick or gelatinous.
Stir in additional water, a few tablespoons at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
Bitter aftertaste.
Reduce simmer time by 5 minutes or add a small pinch of rock sugar to balance bitterness.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on low heat.
Freezer: Freeze in portioned containers for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat.
Room temperature: Not recommended; the soup should be kept chilled after cooling.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the broth a day ahead; the flavors deepen after refrigeration.
- Crush the black sesame seeds just before serving to keep their aroma fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Ancient Beauty Soup (Fountain of Youth) in Chinese cuisine?
Ancient Beauty Soup, also known as "Fountain of Youth" soup, originates from traditional Chinese medicine where snow fungus, red dates, and goji berries have been used for centuries to promote skin health, improve circulation, and support longevity. It is often served during festivals and as a restorative dessert after meals.
What are the traditional regional variations of this beauty soup in Chinese cuisine?
In southern China, the soup may include lotus seeds and rock sugar for extra sweetness, while in northern regions, barley or millet might be added for heartiness. Some families also incorporate dried longan for additional blood‑nourishing properties.
How is Ancient Beauty Soup (Fountain of Youth) traditionally served in Chinese culture?
It is traditionally served warm in small porcelain bowls as a post‑meal dessert or as a health‑boosting snack during cold weather. The soup is often enjoyed with a side of fresh fruit or a cup of green tea.
What occasions or celebrations is this soup associated with in Chinese culture?
The soup is popular during birthdays, weddings, and the Lunar New Year because its ingredients symbolize longevity, beauty, and good fortune. It is also served during recovery from illness to aid rejuvenation.
What other Chinese dishes pair well with Ancient Beauty Soup (Fountain of Youth)?
Light stir‑fried greens such as bok choy, steamed fish with ginger, or a simple congee complement the soup’s delicate flavors while keeping the meal balanced and nourishing.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for this soup versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic ingredients include dried snow fungus, red jujube dates, goji berries, and black sesame seeds. Acceptable substitutes are white fungus for snow fungus, regular dried dates for red dates, dried cranberries for goji berries, and toasted white sesame seeds for black sesame.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Ancient Beauty Soup (Fountain of Youth)?
Common mistakes include under‑soaking the snow fungus, over‑cooking the goji berries (which can become mushy), and adding black sesame seeds too early, which can turn bitter. Follow the timing steps closely for best texture and flavor.
Why does this recipe use a gentle simmer instead of a rapid boil for the broth?
A gentle simmer extracts the delicate polysaccharides from snow fungus and the subtle flavors of dates and goji berries without breaking down their nutrients. A rapid boil can cause bitterness and cloudy broth.
Can I make Ancient Beauty Soup (Fountain of Youth) ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, the soup can be prepared a day ahead. Cool it quickly, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and gently reheat on low heat before serving. It also freezes well for up to a month.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the soup is done cooking?
The broth should be clear amber with the snow fungus pieces soft and translucent, dates slightly swollen, and goji berries plump. The soup should be fragrant but not cloudy.
What does the YouTube channel LiLac Life specialize in?
The YouTube channel LiLac Life focuses on wholesome, health‑focused cooking tutorials, often highlighting traditional Asian ingredients, natural beauty foods, and easy‑to‑follow recipes for busy home cooks.
How does the YouTube channel LiLac Life's approach to Chinese cooking differ from other Chinese cooking channels?
LiLac Life emphasizes the functional, medicinal benefits of ingredients and presents recipes with clear, step‑by‑step visuals aimed at beginners, whereas many other channels focus primarily on flavor or restaurant‑style techniques.
Last updated: September 2, 2026
