Different parts of the lotus have different names and can be used as medicine. The stem of lotus is called lotus stalk, the leaf is called lotus leaf and its pedicel, the core of lotus is called lotus seed, the shell is called lotus seed, the fruit is lotus meat or lotus seed, the embryo is called lotus heart, and the rhizome of lotus is called lotus root.
Lotus root, belonging to lotus family, is an aquatic vegetable. It is very fat, with many knots and tubular holes in it. It can be divided into red lotus root, white lotus root and twisted lotus root. Red lotus root is slender, brown and rough, with little moisture, not crisp and tender; The appearance of white lotus root is plump, tender and silvery white, and the meat is crisp, tender, juicy and sweet. The twisted lotus root starch is red, rough in appearance and rich in starch.
Lotus root originated in India and was introduced to China. During the Southern and Northern Dynasties, the cultivation of lotus root was quite common, and it has been cultivated for more than 3000 years. Lotus root is cultivated in southern provinces of China, and there are two varieties of lotus root: seven-hole lotus root and nine-hole lotus root. Seven-hole lotus root is widely cultivated in Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces. This variety has excellent texture, thick rhizome, tender meat, crisp and sweet taste and flawless white.
Selection method of lotus root
1, thick and short lotus root nodes: when purchasing, you should choose thick and short lotus root nodes, which are mature enough and taste better.
2. Long distance between lotus roots: The longer the distance between lotus roots, the higher the maturity of lotus roots and the softer the taste.
3, the vent hole is large: if it is a cut lotus root, you can look at the vent hole in the middle of the lotus root. Lotus root with big vent has more juice.
4. Lotus root with wet mud: Lotus root without wet mud is generally treated and cannot be preserved. Lotus root with wet mud is well preserved and can be kept in the shade for about a week.
5, yellow color and no odor: Lotus root skin color should be smooth and yellowish brown, if it is black or has odor, it is not recommended to buy it.
6. Don't be too white: The washed lotus root that sells well in the market may be the result of soaking in citric acid, and the color is white, so it is not recommended to buy it.