Early Autumn Supplement with Lotus Root
Early autumn marks the season for supplementation. While some people prefer animal-based foods for tonics, certain plant-based foods offer nutritional and tonic benefits comparable to meat. Lotus root is an ideal vegetarian option.
Lotus root, also known as lotus rhizome, contains abundant starch, protein, vitamin B, vitamin C, fat, carbohydrates, and minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, and iron. Its flesh is tender, white, round, and crisp-sweet, rivaling pears in raw consumption.
In traditional Chinese medicine, raw lotus root cools the blood and disperses stasis, while cooked lotus root tonifies the heart and kidneys, nourishing yin and blood. It supplements deficiencies in the five zang organs, strengthens tendons and bones, and enriches blood. Lotus root is a health food suitable for all ages during autumn.
There are diverse ways to cook lotus root, each with unique flavors. Besides common dishes like stir-fried lotus root threads and fried lotus root pockets, it can be transformed into various snacks and famous dishes.
1. Osmanthus Glutinous Rice Lotus Root: Fill the hollows of large, tender lotus roots with glutinous rice, boil until cooked, slice, sprinkle with sugar and osmanthus flowers. Paired with a bowl of sweet, thick glutinous rice porridge, it offers a uniquely delightful flavor.
2. Lotus Root Red Bean Paste: Grate lotus root into a paste, mix with glutinous rice flour, wrap around red bean filling, deep-fry until golden brown. The result is sweet, crispy, and smooth.
3. Sweet and Sour Lotus Root: Peel and cut young lotus root into slices, blanch briefly in boiling water, drain, then mix with sugar, salt, chili oil. Garnish with red chili threads and ginger threads, drizzle with vinegar and sesame oil—ideal as an appetizer with alcohol.
4. Lotus Root Beverage: Grate clean young lotus root into pulp, squeeze through gauze to extract juice, add sugar, mix with cold water, and drink. This beverage clears the heart and moistens the lungs. When prepared with hot water, it becomes a delicious lotus root powder drink.