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Lotus root nutrition facts

Crunchy, delicate flavored, lotus root is an edible rhizome (root) of the lotus plant. Almost all the parts of the plant: root, young flower stalks, and seeds are being employed in the cuisine.

Lotus is a herbaceous perennial aquatic plant belonging to Nelumbonaceae family. Scientific name: Nelumbo nucifera. It is popular as renkon in Japan. Since centuries, lotus plant and its parts held high esteem in the far East societies, especially in the Chinese and Japanese cultures.







Peeled cut section of lotus rhizome (Nelumbo nucifera).







Lotus root grew as annual root vegetable crop in the customized ponds. Although it can be raised from seeds, commercially; its rhizomes with meristems (growing points) preferred for plantation, since it takes overall fewer days for crop production. Rhizome formation usually coincides with the appearance of large floating leaves on the surface of the water, about 5-6 months after its plantation.

The edible rhizomes grow in the swamp, underwater environments. Lotus root is a modified tuber which stores energy in the form of starch. It develops into sausage-like three to five intersecting nodes measuring about 2-4 feet in length. Each rhizome segment features smooth, gray-white tube measuring about 10-20 cm in length, 3-7 cm in diameter. Internally, the root has white, crunchy flesh with mildly sweet, water-chestnut-like flavor. The cut sections reveal a visually appealing display of symmetrically arranged air canals (holes) traversing all along the length of the root.

The lotus fruit is an enlarged receptacle akin to sunflower head wherein numerous edible seeds embedded in its head.



Health benefits of Lotus root
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Lotus root is one of the moderate calorie root vegetables. 100 g root-stem provides about 74 calories. Nevertheless, it composed of many health benefiting phytonutrients, minerals, and vitamins.

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Lotus rhizome is an excellent source dietary fiber; 100 g flesh provides 4.9 g or 13% of daily requirement of fiber. Dietary fiber together with slow digesting complex carbohydrates in the lotus root help reduce blood cholesterol, sugar, body weight and constipation conditions.

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Fresh lotus root is one of the excellent sources of vitamin-C. 100 g root provides 44 mg or 73% of daily recommended values. Vitamin-C is a powerful water soluble antioxidant. It is essential for the collagen synthesis inside the human body. Collagen is the main structural protein inside the body, required for maintaining the integrity of blood vessels, skin, organs, and bones. Regular consumption of foods rich in vitamin-C helps the body protect from scurvy, develop resistance against viral infections, boosting of immunity, wound healing and to scavenge cancer causing harmful free radicals from the body.

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Further, the root contains moderate levels of some of the valuable B-complex group of vitamins such as pyridoxine (vitamin B-6), folates, niacin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, and thiamin. Pyridoxine (vitamin B-6) acts as a coenzyme in the neurochemical synthesis in the brain which influences mood. Adequate pyridoxine levels help control nervous irritability, headache, and tension. It also cuts heart attack risk by controlling harmful homocysteine concentrations in the blood.

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Further, the root provides healthy amounts of some essential minerals like copper, iron, zinc, magnesium, and manganese. Copper is a cofactor for many vital enzymes, including cytochrome c-oxidase and superoxide dismutase (other minerals function as cofactors for this enzyme are manganese and zinc). Along with iron, it is also required for the production of red blood cells.

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Crunchy, neutral yet delicate flavor of root lotus is because of its optimum electrolyte balance. It composes agreeable ratio of sodium to potassium at the value 1:4. While sodium gives a sweet taste to the root, potassium counters the adverse effects of sodium by regulating heart rate and blood pressure.






See the table below for in depth analysis of nutrients:
Lotus root (Nelumbo nucifera ), raw, Nutrition Value per 100 g, (Source: USDA National Nutrient data base)


Principle

Nutrient Value

Percentage of RDA



Energy

74 Kcal

3.7%



Carbohydrates

17.23 g

13%



Protein

2.60 g

5%



Total Fat

0.10 g

0.5%



Cholesterol

0 mg

0%



Dietary Fiber

4.9 g

13%



Vitamins





Folates

13 µg

3%



Niacin

0.400 mg

2.5%



Pantothenic acid

0.377 mg

7.5%



Pyridoxine

0.258 mg

20%



Riboflavin

0.220 mg

17%



Thiamin

0.160 mg

13%



Vitamin A

0 IU

0%



Vitamin C

44 mg

73%



Electrolytes





Sodium

40 mg

3%



Potassium

556 mg

12%



Minerals





Calcium

45 mg

4.5%



Copper

0.257 mg

29%



Iron

1.16 mg

14%



Magnesium

23 mg

6%



Manganese

0.261 mg

1%



Selenium

0.7 µg

1%



Zinc

0.39 mg

3.5%



Phyto-nutrients





Carotene-ß

0 µg

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Lutein-zeaxanthin
Lotus root (renkon) harvest begins by August and lasts until fall. Traditionally, farmers sink their legs in knee-deep ponds and try to feel for the rhizome guiding their toes, which are then dug out by hand. The Southeastern region of China and Lake Kasumigaura in Ibaraki Prefecture in Japan are known for renkon production.

From a distance, lotus rhizomes appear as big size bananas arranged in sausage pattern. While buying, look for fresh, firm roots with smooth, unblemished skin. Fresh roots are readily available year-round in the main cities in the USA. One can also buy sliced, canned, and freeze-dried roots in the supermarkets or Japanese and other Asian stores.

Once at home, place the roots in cool, dark place away from humidity for 3-4 days. Uncut rhizomes can stay fresh for up to 2 weeks inside the refrigerator.



Preparation and serving methods

Lotus root, known as renkon in Japan and Lián ou in Chinese, hold a special place in their cultures. The rhizome as well as lotus seeds; raw or cooked, widely used in a variety of Eastern recipes in the Far East, Southeast Asian, and Pacific regions.

To prepare, break the root at nodal intersections into individual parts. Wash it thoroughly in cold running water before use. Trim the ends. Peel its rough outer tough skin using a paring knife to expose ice-white, daikon (radish)-like flesh underneath. It can be cut into cubes, or julienned in ways desired as in other vegetables. Rinse the slices immediately in the vinegar or acidulated (lemon) water to prevent discoloration.

Here are some serving tips:







Lotus root salad with chili peppers.
Photo courtesy: VirtualErn







Tempura style lotus root with camembert cheese.
Photo courtesy: jetalone

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Young, clean and tender rhizomes can be added raw to salads. However, mature rhizome tastes bitter and can be eaten only after cooked.

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In Japan, renkon is one of the root vegetables used in tempura and kinpira style cooking. Sautée its slices in soy sauce, mirin (rice wine) and chili peppers. Lotus root chips are popular snacks in Japan.

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The root, popularly known as kamal ki kakari or bhe in India and Bangladesh, features in a variety of curry, stews, and stir fries.

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Chinese uses the root in soups, stuffing, stir-fries, etc., especially in Cantonese style cooking.

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In China, lotus seeds are enjoyed as snacks, in condiments and as candied.




Safety profile

Lotus root may harbor parasites like Fasciolopsis buski, a trematode that commonly infests in aquatic plants like lotus, water caltrop (Trapa natans), Chinese water chestnut (Eleocharis dulcis), etc. The symptoms of infestation may include stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and intestinal obstruction. Thorough washing and cooking under the steam can destroy its larvae. (Medical disclaimer).

Wow,

Thanks so much for sharing such comprehensive information. I'm sure more people will enjoy it now. I'll pass it on too

ttfn, Cynderlla:Happy Vegan

The chinese eat lotus root as a staple. I have eaten a lot steamed. Because of the parasite danger, it's not a vegetable to discuss among 100% raw foodists unless there was a way to kill parasites without heat but even still, mature lotus root, which is what's sold in grocery stores, is too tough and starchy to chew/eat raw.