Can winter melon be cooked together with kelp to make soup?
Dec 08, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Huang Yuhong
Introduction
In general, winter melon can be cooked together with kelp to make soup. Before cooking, soak the kelp in clean water for 1–2 hours and rinse it thoroughly to remove surface impurities and salt. Peel the winter melon, remove the seeds, then cut it into thick chunks to prevent it from becoming too soft and mushy after prolonged cooking. Add a few slices of ginger during cooking to reduce any fishy odor; avoid using excessive seasonings to preserve the natural flavors of the ingredients.
Generally, winter melon can be cooked together with kelp to make soup. The detailed explanation is as follows:
Winter melon is rich in water, has a cool nature and a sweet taste, and helps clear heat and promote diuresis. Kelp is rich in iodine, dietary fiber, and various minerals. Their nutritional components do not conflict and their health benefits complement each other. When used in soup, the natural sweetness of winter melon balances the sea-like odor of kelp, while the tender yet chewy texture of kelp enriches the overall mouthfeel. The combination of dietary fiber and diuretic components helps promote intestinal motility, making this soup especially suitable for hot weather or when there is excessive internal dampness. Being light and non-greasy, it is easily digested and absorbed by the body, making it an ideal household soup for all ages.
Before cooking, soak the kelp in clean water for 1–2 hours and rinse thoroughly several times to remove surface impurities and salt. Peel the winter melon, remove the seeds, and cut it into thick chunks to prevent it from becoming too soft and falling apart after prolonged cooking. Add a few slices of ginger during cooking to reduce fishy odors; avoid using excessive seasonings to preserve the natural flavors of the ingredients. Individuals with cold spleen and stomach deficiency should reduce the amount of winter melon and increase ginger slices to counteract its cooling properties. The soup should be consumed promptly after preparation to prevent bacterial growth from prolonged storage. It is not advisable to drink too much at once. Pairing it with whole grains or coarse cereals ensures more balanced nutrition and maximizes the health benefits of the ingredients.
