How to Make Mung Bean and Coix Seed Soup, Its Nutritional Value, and Why It Is a Classic Summer Cooling Dessert

Mung bean and coix seed soup is a traditional sweet soup made by simmering mung beans and coix seeds (Job's tears) as the main ingredients. It has been passed down for a long time in southern regions such as Minnan and Taiwan, China, and it is also a common cooling drink in dessert shops. When the two are combined, the soup is light in color and the beans and grains are soft and glutinous. It is suitable whether served hot or cold, and the barrier to making it is low, so it is a home-style soup many families often cook after summer begins.

The method is not complicated. After washing the mung beans and coix seeds separately, soak them for a few hours first, then add water and simmer over medium-low heat until the beans and grains open and the broth is slightly thick. Those who like sweetness can add rock sugar for seasoning. Some people also add ingredients such as white fungus, lily bulb, or sweet potato to give the texture more layers. Coix seeds are rather hard in texture; if they are not soaked enough or the heat is insufficient, they tend to have a hard core when eaten, which is the problem beginners encounter most often.

In traditional food therapy concepts, mung beans are often used to clear heat and relieve summer heat, while coix seeds are often associated with the idea of promoting diuresis and removing dampness, so this sweet soup is especially popular in summer. From a nutritional perspective, both mung beans and coix seeds contain carbohydrates, dietary fiber, and plant protein. Eaten in moderation, they can both quench thirst and replenish energy, and they are often regarded as a better choice than sugary drinks.

However, there are also some considerations when drinking it. For people with weak and cold stomach and intestines who are prone to diarrhea, tradition suggests eating less coix seed or drinking it in reduced amounts; those who need to control sugar intake should choose a low-sugar or sugar-free cooking method. When selecting ingredients, pay attention to whether the mung beans and coix seeds are fresh and whether their source is reliable. Store the cooked soup refrigerated and finish eating it as soon as possible so you can enjoy it with peace of mind and cool off in summer.