What are lotus seeds?

Lotus seeds are Lotos water seeds, nnucifera . They have been used for centuries in Southeast Asia and traditionally played an important role in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), where they are known as Lien zi . Lotus seeds are popular in Chinese desserts and soups, with some traditional recipes for events such as the New Year that calls for lotus seeds in various forms. Some Asian markets store dried lotus seeds and in areas where these plants grow, it is sometimes possible to find fresh seeds.

The seeds of the lotus mold inside the distinctive seed head. When the lotus seeds are harvested green before they are fully mature, the bitter seed germs are carefully removed, as well as the membrane that surrounds the seed. After drying, these seeds are sold as seeds of white robbery because they are creamy white. When the seeds are allowed to ripen all the way, they are sold as brown bark seeds, it is intact brown membrane intact. These seedsThey are divided into the removal of germs.

fresh lotus seeds are sometimes sold inside the head of seeds, and consumers understand that if they do not want a bitter surprise, they must remove the germ. People usually remove the rubber membrane that surrounds every fresh lotus seed before eating, grinding into paste or cooking in syrup to make candied lotus seeds, popular refreshments in some parts of Asia. If you can get fresh lotus seeds, you can experiment with them and you can also eat them as raw vegetables.

Dried lotus seeds are usually soaked overnight before they are used. Some common uses for lotus seeds include desserts, in which case the seeds are ground to form a paste, along with soups, rice porridge and some fried meals. Lotus seed paste is extremely popular in desserts in China and Japan ;; In many regions is MOŽné find steamed dumplings filled with lotus seed paste.

In TCM it is said that the lotus seeds cool and act on the spleen, kidneys and heart meridians. People use seeds to treat diarrhea, heart problems and insomnia. The bitter key is also used in TCM to treat some heart conditions. Other parts of the lotus plant, including leaves and sticks, can also be used.