When do lotus seed pods mature and hit the market?
Lotus seed pods are generally available in autumn, maturing and seeding in the same year they are planted. September to October is the peak season for their availability, and they gradually come off the market from January to February of the following year. The wholesale price is usually around 8-9 yuan per jin. The main producing areas for lotus seed pods are mainly in Hunan, Hubei, Jiangxi, Fujian, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and other regions, with Hunan and Fujian being the most productive.
Lotus seed pod maturity and market time
Fresh lotus seed pods are available from September to October. Common varieties include Taikong 36, Starry牡丹, Taikong Jiaorong, Taikong 1, Taikong 2, Taikong 3, and Taikong 4. Although these are variants, they are resistant, have many flowers, large pods, and high seed yield.
The seeds of the lotus pods planted in the same year start to turn black from their fresh green color after September, with a large number available in the market from September to October, and they come off the market in December. The wholesale price is approximately 9-12 yuan per jin.
Lotus seed pod production areas and market seasons
The main producing areas for lotus seed pods are Hunan, Hubei, Jiangxi, Fujian, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and other regions in the south of the Yangtze River. Lotus seed pods produced in these areas can be eaten directly or used to make tea, which can help prevent diabetes.
1. Hubei lotus seed pods: These are usually mature and available in the market by September. Freshly harvested lotus seed pods feel crisp and can be eaten raw, cooked in soup, or made into porridge.
2. Fujian lotus seed pods: These are generally available in the market from summer, with a two-month season. The pods are fresh and sweet. Pods that are slightly older have a firmer texture and a slightly bitter taste.
Eating mature lotus seed pods
Lotus seed pods should not be eaten before they are mature. It's best to wait until October when they are in season. Fresh lotus seed pods are usually bright green, indicating sweet seeds. Stored or older pods, which are usually yellow or black, have bitter seeds.
To make lotus seed pods mature faster, one can start with their growing environment. They thrive in warm and humid conditions. Maintaining sunlight and warmth can help them mature quickly.
The above introduction to the production areas and market seasons of lotus seed pods, the time they mature and hit the market, and the specifics of eating mature lotus seed pods are intended to provide netizens with some useful knowledge.