Lotus root is a rhizome that grows in the flood plains of rivers and river deltas. Lotus seeds are hardy, and can germinate after great lengths of time. Chinese people regard the lotus as a symbol of longevity. The texture is crunchy, even when cooked, and the flavor is slightly sweet. Lotus root can be stir-fried, deep fried, braised, boiled, and used in soups. Lotus root has been candied, pickled, dried, and powdered for use in recipes. The leaves are used to wrap rice dumplings. The seeds are ground to a pulp and used to make lotus paste fillings for moon cakes for the Mid-Autumn Festival. Lotus is a widely revered vegetable in all parts of China.
Image Credit: Chen Jing for My Chinese Home Kitchen, 2024.
Selecting lotus root for purchase
The flesh of the root is firm. Avoid roots with soft spots, as this indicates rot. The inside of the root is full of canals, so be sure to avoid selecting a root with holes. Any hole allows the mud and silt to get into the interior, destroying the flavor.
Preparing lotus root
Wash the root thoroughly to remove any silt. Cut off and discard the thin necks between the nodes. Leaves sprout from the thin necks of the root.
The skin is very thin. You can remove it with the blunt edge of a knife, or the square edge of a chopstick. Work quickly when peeling lotus root, because it will oxidize and turn black when exposed to air. To avoid this, the peeled root is soaked in water while waiting to be cooked.
Lotus root can be smashed with the edge of a cleaver and chopped, shredded with a potato peeler, or cut into bite sized chunks. How you prepare it depends on the recipe and method of cooking.
Lotus root nutrition
According to Healthline, lotus root has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Lotus root also has antibacterial qualities, especially for bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease. The root is also high in fiber, and has been added to sausage in powdered form to increase the fiber content. It can be eaten raw or cooked.
| Nutrient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Protein | 1.58 g |
| Carbohydrate | 16 g |
| Fiber | 3.1 g |
| Calcium | 26 mg |
| Magnesium | 22 mg |
| Phosphorus | 78 mg |
| Potassium | 363 mg |
| Sodium | 45 mg |
| Vitamin C | 27.4 mg |
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