Coneè., Kiple, Kenneth F., 1939-2016. Ornelas, Kriemhild (2000). The Cambridge world history of food. Cambridge University Press. p.277. ISBN 0-511-46868-7. OCLC 852391634. {{ cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list ( link) CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list ( link) Lotus varieties have been classified according to their use into three types: rhizome lotus, seed lotus, and flower lotus. Varieties that show more than one of these characteristics are classified by the strongest feature. [37] Regarding production area in China, rhizome lotus has the largest area with 200,000ha (490,000 acres), followed by seed lotus with 20,000ha (49,000 acres). [40] Rhizome lotus [ edit ] The lotus flower also holds cultural and religious significance in Ismaili Muslim and related South Asian traditions. For example, in South Asian Ismaili literature, the lotus is compared to the pure soul. A poem describes the lotus' beauty, describing how its delicate white petals remain pure and beautiful, despite its murky environment. Similarly, a pure soul is part of this world, yet is not of this world, much like the circumstances of the lotus. The poem further emphasizes the importance of true knowledge or gnosis, which is likened to the pure rainwater that allows the lotus to flourish. Ismaili belief holds that the true guide provides this true knowledge, without which the pure soul cannot survive. Just as the lotus flower would rather die than drink from a reeking swamp, the pure soul also seeks nourishment solely through true knowledge. [103] See also [ edit ] The lotus plant is an aquatic perennial that grows in shallow waters and is native to Asia and Australia. The lotus plant, including its stem and roots, has been used for medicinal purposes in traditional Chinese and Indian medicine for centuries. It is believed to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune-boosting properties.

In addition, fermented lotus root holds anti-inflammatory effects that support immune health, and the phytochemicals in the herb’s flower extracts provide an immunomodulatory effect in humans. Still, more human studies on the antioxidant and disease-preventing effects of lotus are needed to better understand its potential benefits. Summary Another test-tube study using mouse cells found that both lotus seed and leaf extracts decreased the expression of pro-inflammatory genes ( 14).In addition to the root, the seeds are a major product in southern China, and the leaves are used in cooking as flavorings or as decorations. Nutrition Facts Moore, Albert C., Klein, Charlotte, Iconography of Religions: An Introduction, p. 148, 1977, Chris Robertson, ISBN 0800604881, 9780800604882, google books Dry stored lotus seeds are sensitive to moisture and mold infestation; researchers continue to explore new ways to preserve fresh lotus seeds,such as radiation processing. [55] Traditionally in Japan and China, farmers would stand knee-deep in ponds and feel for the root of the lotus plant with their toes. Then they would dig the roots out by hand.

Shen-Miller, J. (2002). "Long-living lotus: germination and soil gamma-irradiation of centuries-old fruits, and cultivation, growth, and phenotypic abnormalities of offspring". American Journal of Botany. 89 (2): 236–247. doi: 10.3732/ajb.89.2.236. PMID 21669732. Sacred lotus ( Nelumbo nucifera) has been cultivated as a crop in Asia for thousands of years. A ≈1300-year-old lotus fruit, recovered from an originally cultivated but now dry lakebed in northeastern China, is the oldest germinated and directly 14C-dated fruit known. In 1996, we traveled to the dry lake at Xipaozi Village, China, the source of the old viable fruits. On the outside, lotus root is smooth and has a brownish yellow color. Internally, the root is white and has a crisp flesh.

Is Lotus Stem A Stem?

Animal studies suggest that compounds in lotus could help lower blood sugar levels. High blood sugar can be common in individuals with diabetes and lead to complications. a b c d e f g La-ongsri, Woranuch; Trisonthi, Chusie; Balslev, Henrik (2009-08-01). "Management and use of Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. in Thai wetlands". Wetlands Ecology and Management. 17 (4): 279–289. doi: 10.1007/s11273-008-9106-6. ISSN 0923-4861. S2CID 25530088. Overall, lotus stem can be used in a variety of dishes to add flavor, texture, and health benefits to your diet.

Deni., Bown (1995). Encyclopedia of herbs & their uses. Herb Society of America. (1st Americaned.). London: Dorling Kindersley. ISBN 978-0-7894-0184-7. OCLC 32166152. According to research published in the journal Nutrients, vitamin C contributes to immune defense by supporting various cellular functions. These include supporting epithelial barrier function against pathogens, promoting oxidant-scavenging activity and promoting microbial killing. Wolpert, Stuart (10 May 2013). "Scientists sequence genome of 'sacred lotus,' which likely holds anti-aging secrets". UCLA Newsroom . Retrieved 13 May 2013. Su, X.; Jiang, Y.; Li, Y.; Lin, W. (2003). "Effects of 4-hexylresorcinol (4-HR) on browning and quality of fresh-cut lotus". Food Science. 24: 142–145.The root of the lotus plant is also a good source of potassium. Potassium is responsible for making sure heart rhythm is healthy.

Tang, P; Jiang, Z; Mei, C; Jiang, H (1998). "The composition, solubility and quality of lotus seed". J Beijing Norm Univ (Nat Sci). 34: 532–537. After lotus seed germination, crude protein and fat levels in the endosperm significantly increase. It is therefore an important method to enhance its nutritional quality. [94] [57] Lotus is available in many preparations, including dried root, teas, powders, capsules, and extracts. Mahmood, T., Akhtar, N., Moldovan, C. (2013). A comparison ofthe effects of topical green tea and lotus on facial sebum control in healthyhumans. Hippokratia, 17(1), 64-67 Pre-mature (early) cultivars are harvested before the end of July, serotinous (late) cultivars from September on, and mid-serotinous or mid-matutinal cultivars are in between these harvest times. Using pre-mature cultivars, rhizomes can be harvested earlier and sold for a higher price. [40]

A Message from Ambassador Nong Rong on the Occasion of the Chinese New Year

Roast or bake: Lotus stem can be roasted or baked with other vegetables or meats for a delicious and nutritious side dish.