Lotus seedpod is a rare summer fruit, not only for its sweet taste but also for its extremely high nutritional value. However, due to its short picking season, many people do not know when the best time to pick it is or when they can buy fresh lotus seedpods on the market. This article will detail the picking time and market availability of lotus seedpods to help readers understand this delicious fruit.
What is a lotus seedpod?
Lotus seedpod is the seed fruit of the lotus plant (Nelumbo nucifera), also known as lotus seed or lotus fruit. It is a common fruit with rich edible and medicinal value. Its shell is brown or black, and inside the hard shell are fleshy seeds that are full and slightly sweet.
Nutritional Value of Lotus Seedpod
Lotus seedpods are rich in nutrients such as protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. Notably, their protein and fat content are higher than that of other fruits. At the same time, lotus seedpods are rich in various essential amino acids, which play an important role in promoting growth and development and strengthening the body.
Regions Where Lotus Seedpods are Grown
Lotus seedpods are mainly produced in regions such as Jiangnan, Jiangxi, Hunan, and Zhejiang in China. Due to their mild climate and abundant water sources, these areas allow lotus seedpods to grow very abundantly.
Picking Time for Lotus Seedpods
Generally, the picking time for lotus seedpods is from July to September each year. During this time, the lotus seedpods are mature, with full and sweet-tasting seeds.
How to Pick Lotus Seedpods
When picking lotus seedpods, the entire lotus fruit needs to be picked, and then the outer shell is peeled off. At this point, you will find a hard shell inside, which needs to be opened to extract the inner pulp.
Storage Time for Lotus Seedpods
To preserve lotus seedpods, it is best to place them in a well-ventilated and dry environment, away from direct sunlight. Under these conditions, lotus seedpods can be stored for 3-5 days.
Ways to Eat Lotus Seedpods
Lotus seedpod is a delicious and healthy fruit that can be eaten raw or made into various desserts. For example, making juice or ice cream with lotus seedpods is very delicious.
How to Buy Lotus Seedpods
If you want to buy fresh lotus seedpods, it is best to buy them directly from an orchard during the picking season. Additionally, fresh lotus seedpods can also be found in some large supermarkets or specialty stores.
Price of Lotus Seedpods
Due to the short picking season, fresh lotus seedpods are relatively expensive. Generally, the price of fresh lotus seedpods is over 10 yuan per jin (500g).
How to Process Lotus Seedpods
If you want to process lotus seedpods into other delicacies, you can first cook them and then remove the black seeds inside. Cooked lotus seedpods can be used to make dishes like lotus seedpod sticky rice and lotus seedpod sugar water.
Medicinal Value of Lotus Seedpods
Lotus seedpods hold a very important position in Traditional Chinese Medicine. They can be used to treat various ailments such as lung heat, cough, and indigestion.
How to Choose Good Lotus Seedpods
When buying lotus seedpods, it is best to choose ones with a smooth and undamaged shell. At the same time, if the hard shell is already cracked, it means the pulp inside has started to spoil.
How to Store Leftover Lotus Seedpods
If you have leftover lotus seedpods, you can freeze them, which can extend the storage time to over one month. However, they need to be thawed before eating.
Pairing Lotus Seedpods with Other Fruits
Lotus seedpods can be paired with other fruits for consumption, such as bananas, apples, and strawberries. Mixing these fruits together not only improves the texture but also allows you to intake more nutrients.
Lotus seedpod is a delicious and healthy fruit. Due to its short picking season, the price is also relatively high. If you want to taste the freshest flavor, it is best to buy them from an orchard during the picking season. Whether you eat them raw or process them, you can try different ways of eating to enjoy the sweet and delicious taste of this wonderful fruit.