Can lotus flowers be eaten?
Lotus flowers bloom in midsummer, and the elegant flower appearance often inspires food inspiration. But when faced with delicate petals, people always have questions: Can such a poetic plant really be imported? What issues should I pay attention to when eating for special groups? This article will deeply analyze the edible value and taboos of lotus flowers. Analysis of the edible value of lotus flowers. Identification of edible varieties Ornamental lotus flowers contain alkaloids, which are common in park waters, and pesticides may remain on the surface. For eating lotus flowers, special varieties are needed, such as the Elian series. The petals are thick and have no bitter taste, and the tender green color of the receptacle is a sign of freshness. Nutritional efficacy reveals that every 100g of lotus contains 65mg of vitamin C and 22 kinds of flavonoids. Traditional Chinese medicine classics record that it has the effect of cooling blood and stopping bleeding. Modern research has confirmed that quercetin can help regulate blood pressure. However, the daily intake for people with weak body and cold stomach is recommended to be controlled within 50g. Lotus Creative Cuisine Guide Tips for Crispy Frying Lotus Take half-open petals, thinly wrap them in egg white starch paste (flour: corn starch =3:1), fry them at 160 ° C for 30 seconds, and add rose salt to enhance the flavor level. This ancient method originates from the skill of "frying magnolia" recorded in "Shanjia Qing Gong". Healthy lotus porridge is boiled with japonica rice and dried lotus petals in a ratio of 10:1. Sprinkle fresh petals before boiling to add clarity to lotus seeds. Note that lotus stalks need to be boiled 2 hours in advance to obtain juice to avoid gastrointestinal discomfort caused by direct consumption. Guidelines for Eating Lotus for Pregnant Women: Moderate benefits during pregnancy Lotus fragrance can relieve morning sickness reactions, and dietary fiber promotes intestinal peristalsis. It is recommended to choose fully cooked lotus products, such as 3-5 pieces of lotus candied fruit per day, or drink lotus tea (brewed in boiling water for 5 minutes and then filter off the petals). Careful eating warns women in the first trimester and placenta previa to avoid it, because lotus blood activating ingredients may cause uterine contractions. If you have a history of pollen allergy or gestational diabetes, you need to adjust your consumption according to your doctor's advice.
Lotus flowers need to master the "three important principles" when entering the meal: choose the edible variety, thoroughly clean it, and cook it appropriately. It is recommended for special groups to conduct an allergy test first, and control the new amount per try within 20g. Let this water fairy truly become a beautiful food for health.