Lotus root, Indian lotus

Where does Lotus root grow?

Found in: Africa, Asia, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, Caucasus, China, Cuba, East Africa, Dominican Republic, East Timor, Egypt, Guiana, Guianas, Guyana, Haiti, Hawaii, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, Kenya, Korea, Laos, Madagascar, Malaysia, Micronesia, Myanmar, Nepal, North Africa, North America, Northeastern India, Pacific, Pakistan, Palau, Papua New Guinea, PNG, Philippines, Russia, SE Asia, Slovenia, South America, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Taiwan, Thailand, Timor-Leste, United States, Vietnam, West Indies

Notes: There are 2 Nelumbo species. This one is native to Asia and Australia.

Status: It is a commercially cultivated vegetable. The rhizomes are sold in markets. The stalks are sold in markets. The plant occurs in several coastal areas of Papua New Guinea and the seeds are the part most commonly used for food. It is a sacred plant to Hindus.

Growing Lotus root, Indian lotus

Cultivation: It can be grown from sections of the root or from seed. Seed germinate between 25-30°C. The hard seed coat needs to be cracked to enable seed to grow. Seed will remain viable for many years. Plants grown from seed vary as seed do not breed true. It needs to be in water at least 30-50 cm deep. Rhizomes with 2-3 segments are used. They are put in the mud at a 30° angle.

Edible Uses: The seeds are eaten raw or roasted. Ripe seeds are prepared by removing the seedcoat and the intensely bitter plumule and then boiled in syrup. Slightly unripe seeds are also eaten raw. The seeds can be used as a coffee substitute. The white roots or rhizomes are eaten raw with meat. They can also be boiled, pickled, stir-fried or preserved in sugar. It is also the source of starch. The flower stalks are cooked as a vegetable. They are also eaten raw. The young tender leaves are eaten with a savoury sauce. The dry leaves are used to wrap food and impart flavour. The pollen and stamen are used for flavouring tea.

Production: Plants grow quickly. Rhizomes are harvested all year round and contain an abundance of starch. Plants grown from seed take 2 years to produce. Plants grown from cuttings can produce the same year.

Nutrition Info

Lotus root, Indian lotus Photos

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