Herbal Teas
Pumpkin, Walnut & Black Soybean Milk
Pumpkin, Walnut & Black Soybean Milk is a nourishing homemade beverage that perfectly blends the natural sweetness of pumpkin, the nutty richness of walnuts, and the deep bean flavor of black soybeans. Black soybeans, known as the “king of beans,” nourish the kidneys, benefit essence, and support hair and skin health. Walnuts, shaped like the brain, have long been regarded as a brain-boosting, kidney-nourishing, and lung-warming tonic. Pumpkin strengthens the spleen and stomach and supports eye health. When blended together, no additional sugar is needed – the drink is naturally sweet, smooth, and creamy, with layers of nutty and bean aromas. It is especially suitable for mental workers, students, middle-aged and elderly individuals, and daily wellness in autumn and winter.
Main Ingredients
- Black soybeans 50g
- Walnut kernels 20-30g
- Pumpkin 100g
- Soybeans 20g
- Water 800-1000ml
- Rock sugar or white sugar to taste
Steps
Soak 50g of black soybeans in water for 6-8 hours (or overnight) until fully expanded and skins slightly split. Remove any bad beans and rinse. Soak 20-30g of walnut kernels in warm water for 15 minutes to remove surface astringency and impurities. For a richer flavor, dry-roast in a pan over low heat for 2-3 minutes until fragrant, then cool. Peel and deseed 100g of pumpkin, cut into 2-3cm chunks.
Put the soaked black soybeans, walnuts, and pumpkin into a soy milk maker or high-speed blender. Add 800-1000ml of water (to the middle water line). If using 20g of soybeans, soak for 6-8 hours and add together. Select the “five-grain soy milk” or “soy milk” mode and start. Wait about 20-25 minutes until the program completes.
Strain through a fine sieve for a smoother texture if desired. Pumpkin provides natural sweetness, so no additional sugar is generally needed. Add rock sugar or white sugar to taste if preferred. Drink warm, 1 cup (about 250-300ml) daily.
TCM Notes
Black Soybeans: Contain approximately 36g protein and 10.2g dietary fiber per 100g. Rich in anthocyanins, soy isoflavones, vitamin E, and minerals including calcium, iron, and zinc. Known for nourishing the kidneys, benefiting essence, invigorating blood, and promoting diuresis. Black soybean milk has a purine content of approximately 6.74-8.76 mg/100g, classified as a low-purine food. Walnut Kernels: Contain approximately 15g protein, 65g fat (mostly linoleic and linolenic acids – unsaturated fatty acids), vitamin E, and magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc per 100g. Known for nourishing the kidneys, warming the lungs, boosting brain function, and moistening the intestines. The α-linolenic acid in walnuts can be converted to DHA in the body, supporting brain health. Pumpkin: Contains approximately 15g carbohydrates, 3.1mg β-carotene, and 145mg potassium per 100g of old pumpkin. Rich in pectin, which protects the gastric mucosa and aids digestion. β-Carotene converts to vitamin A in the body, supporting eye health and enhancing mucosal resistance. Synergistic Effect: Black soybeans nourish the kidneys, walnuts boost brain function, and pumpkin strengthens the spleen – regulating both the spleen and kidneys, and supporting both brain and gut health. Pumpkin's natural sweetness balances the slight astringency of black soybeans, while walnuts add richness. Total approx. 300-350 kcal (unsweetened, entire batch), 20-22g protein – a high-protein, moderate-carbohydrate beverage rich in unsaturated fatty acids.
Suitable for：Mental workers, students, and those with memory decline Those with kidney deficiency, lower back pain, prematurely gray hair, or dry hair Those with weak spleen and stomach, or poor digestion (pumpkin pectin protects the gastric mucosa) Those with eye strain and visual fatigue (β-carotene supports eye health) Those with constipation due to intestinal dryness (walnuts moisten the intestines; black soybeans are rich in fiber) General population for autumn-winter wellness and breakfast pairing
Not suitable for：Those with diarrhea or loose stools – walnuts moisten the intestines, and black soybeans and pumpkin are rich in fiber; may worsen diarrhea Diabetes patients – pumpkin has a high glycemic index (GI up to 75), especially old pumpkin. Control portion size and reduce staple food intake accordingly Acute gout / hyperuricemia patients – dry black soybeans are high in purine; avoid during flare-ups; consume sparingly during remission Those with renal insufficiency – pumpkin is high in potassium and black soybeans contain plant protein; portion size must be under medical guidance Those with phlegm-heat cough or yin deficiency with internal heat – walnuts are warm in nature and may promote internal heat Those with weak digestion, bloating, or acid reflux – black soybeans, pumpkin, and walnuts are gas-producing or high-fat foods that may worsen bloating Those allergic to black soybeans, walnuts, or pumpkin Infants and young children – digestive systems are delicate; soy milk may cause bloating. Small amounts only Those in weight management – walnuts are calorie-dense; control portion size
