This aquatic herb grows to 3-4½ feet (1.5 m) high, with a long, bulbous series of rhizomes. The round, bluish-green leaves, up to 2 feet (60 cm) in diameter, have a waxy upper surface. Tight, pear-shaped buds open to reveal beautiful petals of pink, white or yellow. The flowers stand above the surface of the water, and are 3-5 inches (8-12 cm) in diameter.
History and Mythology
The lotus flower has long been associated with the cultures of China, India, and Egypt. It is one of the important flowers of Chinese culture, bringing mental associations of cool summer mornings, where red-and-white tipped blossoms stretch for half a mile, their perfume sweetly scenting the air. The Sung scholar Chou wrote an essay explaining why he loved the lotus, pointing out that the lotus, like the gentleman, might grow out of dirty water but was not contaminated by it. The lotus flower is seen as a symbol of Buddhism, and is frequently found in the Hindu and Moghul architecture of India. Lotus flowers and leaves can be seen in paintings and carvings of ancient Egypt, although the lotus no longer grows there in modern times. Pureed and sweetened lotus seeds are used in Chinese “moon cakes” eaten during the festival in the middle of autumn (fall).
Various uses
Culinary
In China, every part of the lotus flower is utilized. A cooling drink is made from the root, food is wrapped in the broad green leaves for steaming, the flowers are enjoyed for their fragrance, and the seed eaten raw, fresh from the pod, or dried and sugared. The Thais eat the young leaves with a coconut milk and fermented soybean sauce. The petals are eaten either raw or cooked with nam prik (shrimp sauce), and the seeds are used in both sweet and savory dishes such as sweet lotus seeds in syrup, which is served with coconut milk and rice.
Lotus root is a popular vegetable in Japan and Thailand, and the seeds are an ingredient in Chinese “eight treasure” dishes. The bitter core of the seed is removed before cooking.
Medicinal
The leaf and flower stems are used as a treatment for diarrhea in Southeast Asia, and the stamens are diuretic. Lotus seeds are used as a restorative tonic.
