Finding lotus plants in floral decorations is a common thing in North America, but in Asian countries lotus plants are served for dinner. From sticky rice wrapped in lotus leaves to popped lotus seeds and boiled lotus roots, this delicious fresh water plant is packed with health benefits along with flavor.
Lotus Seeds
In 1951 near Liaoning Province, China, six ancient lotus seeds were found in a dried up lake bed at Pulantien. In four days or less, two-thirds of the seeds germinated. While the lotus leaves tended to be a bit smaller than those of lotus plants today, the plant grew at a more rapid rate. After testing was done on each lotus seed, it was reported that the seeds were of different ages. This was a sign of their productivity and ability to survive.
Today, lotus seeds are grown in different parts of the world for numerous reasons. One of those reasons is drying for decorations while other reasons include: baking, frying, boiling, herbal supplements, teas, weight loss, and so on. Unknown to many, the lotus seed contains nutritional benefits when eaten. While fresh lotus seeds are hard to find in some parts of the world, the seeds can be purchased dried and canned where fresh lotus are unavailable. Try popping the lotus seeds to eat plain or to add to various dishes.
One-half cup of lotus seeds contains approximately 8 to 9 grams of protein and only 1 to 2 grams of fat. Even though the lotus seed has an abundance of minerals, they are lacking in vitamins and fiber. They are beneficial to the heart, liver, and spleen along with helping aid in diarrhea, insomnia, and restlessness. When combined with other herbs, the lotus seed is packaged and sold for herbal medicines and certain other ailments.
Lotus Leaf Benefits and Uses
Even if someone is familiar with lotus leaves wrapping up sticky rice and other dishes, many do not know that the lotus leaf is beneficial to the stomach, spleen, and can help prevent heat strokes. When the lotus leaves are dried for tea and combined with oolong tea, it is packaged for sale as a weight loss slimming tea. When combined with crataegus, it helps promote blood circulation and lowers blood fats.
The lotus leaf does have a slightly bitter flavor, but when used in combination with other foods many people would rather have the leaf in the dish than to leave the leaf out of the recipe as it adds a unique flavor. Lotus leaf wraps and lotus plant dishes are commonly prepared at Chinese weddings and restaurants, but making them at home is not as difficult as some believe. There are hundreds of different recipes containing lotus leaves and other lotus plant parts on the internet, so finding one that appeals to every taste should not be a problem.
Lotus Plant and Lotus Flower Extras
The lotus plant has been around for hundreds of years and has thrived throughout history still producing its beautiful lotus flowers. The lotus flower has long since been a sign of creation and rebirth. The blue lotus flower is amazing as it closes every night ducking underneath the water only to rise and appear each morning opening to the sky while the white lotus flower opens at night and closes again during the day.
In ancient times and throughout history, the lotus flower was an important piece of Egyptian art. Often times, a god or other human will be pictured holding a lotus flower in their hands or it was painted around the border of the picture itself. Today, the lotus flower is a symbol often used in tattooing.
Lotus Root Quick & Easy Recipe
Slice the lotus root and boil in vinegar water for several minutes. Remove from water and add to sliced cucumbers, zucchini, and bacon bits. Thinly sliced fried ham taste great in this dish, as well. Toss with a little real mayonnaise and enjoy. The lotus root-cucumber salad can be chilled in the refrigerator for picnics, parties, or later for dinner.
Sources:
- “ Lotus Flower ”, King Tut Shop.com (accessed March 28, 2011).
- Dharmananda Ph, D., Subhuti, “Lotus Seed: Food & Medicine”, ITM Online.org (accessed March 28, 2011).
- American Journal of Botany, "Exceptional Seed Longevity and Robust Growth: Ancient Sacred Lotus from China", JSTOR.org (accessed March 29, 2011).
Annette Phillips - Annette Phillips is the Topic Editor for Natural Disasters. Phillips is also the author of Willow's Ride and a licensed Cosmetologist.
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