What Does Lotus Root Taste Like?
If you’ve never had a lotus root before, then you might be wondering what it tastes like. The taste of lotus root has a sweet flavor and is similar to a swede.
– Lotus root is an edible vegetable that grows in tropical climates. It has a sweet taste and crunchy texture.
– Lotus root is also known as the Chinese white carrot. It is a member of the same family as the potato and the sweet potato.
– Lotus root can be used in many different ways. It can be cooked like a potato, fried like a potato, boiled like a potato, or even baked like a potato.
What Does Fresh lotus root Taste Like?
Fresh or raw lotus root has a sweetness that is not too strong. What is the texture of raw lotus root? It has a texture that is crunchy (with a little starch) and is a bit like celery. Or some even say slightly nutter and similar to Taro.
So, if you’re looking for a crunchy vegetable, then you should definitely try it out.
Also, see what artichoke tastes like?
Is the flavor of Jellyfish strong?
What are the best ways you can cook lotus root in 2024
- Boil
- Fry
- Bake
- Microwave
What Does Lotus Root Look Like?
Lotus root looks like a bit of a big root vegetable, often having purple to white skin. As it gets older, the color changes to brownish. The root has holes in it, and this makes it look edible. The holes also allow it to hold sauce similar to a tube pasta.
What Does Lotus Root Smell Like?
Freshly sliced lotus root should have a mildly sweet smell. The root has gone bad if you notice a bit of a sour smell after cutting it.
How to prepare a lotus root
Getting a lotus root ready to cook is an easy recipe. The most important tools are a peeler and a very sharp knife.
- Start by cleaning the root by running it underwater.
- Next, slice off the ends of the root.
- Take off the skin using the peeler. This will expose the flesh underneath.
- Next with the sharp knife slice it carefully into ¼” inch thickness.
- To halt the oxidation or browning of the cut lotus root, sprinkle lemon juice over. Alternatively, you can store them in a vinegar bath. Just remember to rinse off the vinegar before cooking.
How To Eat Raw Lotus Root
It is often used to add to salads. It is best to use a younger lotus root. The older the root, the tougher it becomes.
Lotus roof Looks Like This 
Lotus Root Tube Structure
Top 5 ways to Cook Lotus Root in 2024
Lotus root is very flexible and can be cooked in a number of different ways including frying, baking, boiling, air frying, or microwaving
How To Stir Fry Lotus Root
Lotus root stir fry really well and maintains its crispy texture which makes it ideal for stir fry recipes.
The other great attribute of the lotus root is that they absorb well the flavors or sauces Szechuan sauce.
How to Stir Fry: First, cut it into thin slices. Set the heat to medium-high and cook for 4 minutes.
What other vegetables blend well with lotus root?
- edamame
- broccoli
- asparagus
- snow peas
- celery
- Â red peppers
How To Boil Lotus Root
If you want to decrease your fat intake, boiling is a great option. You can serve boiled lotus root slices in a bowl of greens beans. It is also nice when dusted with chili and some soy sauce.
Start by boiling a pot of water. I like to add in 1/4 tsp of lemon juice. Put in the ¼” slices to the boiling water and cook for 4-5 minutes. Use a sieve to drain the lotus root.
How To Bake Lotus Root
Baking lotus root is one of my favorite ways and gives you a crispy chip as a result. This is a great lotus root snack for the kids.
Start by slicing the lotus root into ¼” slices. Using a baking tray covered with parchment paper, lay the slices on. Keep them evenly spaced and separated. Spray or light drizzle on some olive oil. Do not forget to add seasoning. Salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Bake on one side for 10 minutes at 340F. Then turn over the lotus chips and bake for a further 10 minutes. Check they are crispy and done. If not, put them back for another 5 minutes.
How To Microwave Lotus Root
How to cook lotus root fast – the microwave. It’s a speedy and easy method, but of course, the result is not as crispy as the oven bake recipe.
Prepare the lotus root the same way – 1/4 inch slices. Put a slightly damp paper towel onto a microwave-safe plate. Cook on high power for 2 minutes and check they are done.
The lotus root can be used in other ways.
- Dry in a dehydrator as crunchy vegetable chips
- Dry in an oven and make into flour by grinding
- Slice extra thin, and cook in a sugar solution to make a candied lotus.
- Use as a salad garnish.
- Preserve it by Pickling the lotus root
Can lotus root be eaten raw?
You can eat the lotus root raw or add it to salads. The mature roots should be avoided as they can be tough.
How long does it take to cook lotus root?
To cook lotus root in a pan it tasks 4 minutes.
Lotus roots are easy to cook because they have a firm consistency like potatoes. They can be boiled in water until tender, then mashed with butter or olive oil as desired.
How to store lotus root?
The best way to store raw (and fresh) lotus roots is to wash and clean them first. Now cut off 1/4 inch from the ends or any segmented joint. Then simply place in a Ziploc with a little water. This will store well in the refrigerator for six days.
Lotus root Benefits
Lotuses are aquatic plants that grow in ponds and lakes, but they can be found growing on land too. The roots have been used medicinally since ancient times. They were first mentioned by Chinese herbalists around 500 BC.
The lotus root benefits are
- vitamin C
- riboflavin
- thiamin
- Improves digestion
- Helps prevent constipation
- Promotes healthy skin
- Boosts energy levels
- Reduces stress
- Treats arthritis
- Eases menstrual cramps
- Lowers cholesterol
- Is good for your heart
What Can I Add To Lotus Root to enhance the mild taste.
- rice vinegar
- green onion
- shaoxing wine
- black bean dish
- sticky rice
- sesame oil
- oyster sauce
- sesame seeds
- lotus seed
Lotus Root Conclusion
– Lotus Root is a delicious vegetable that has been used as food for thousands of years. It’s also known as the “Queen of Vegetables” because of its many uses.
– Lotus root is an excellent source of vitamin C, potassium, iron, calcium, fiber, and protein. It’s also rich in antioxidants, which protect cells against damage caused by free radicals.
– Lotus Root tastes great when cooked or added to soups, stews, stir-fries, salads, and casseroles. You can even eat it raw if you’re feeling adventurous.