Lotus Seeds come from the Lotus Plant. They grow in a seed head that looks like the sprinkler on a garden watering can, with 15 to 20 openings, with a seed in each one.
The seeds themselves are usually small, round or slightly oval, with a white or off-white colour. They have a sweet, mild flavour.
After being harvested from the seed heads, the seeds have their skin removed, and they are set in the sun to dry. The centre of seed contains a very bitter green embryonic shoot and leaf that is removed.
Lotus Seeds can be bought fresh, dried or canned.
The seeds can be:
- eaten out of hand as a snack;
- roasted;
- candied;
- ground into a paste;
- cooked in soups.
Substitutes
Blanched almonds.
Nutrition
18% protein.