During the autumn season, fresh lotus root is in season. Besides containing a large amount of carbohydrates, fresh lotus root is also rich in protein, various vitamins, and minerals. As the saying goes, "Freshly harvested young lotus root is better than a great physician." For the elderly, autumn lotus root is an excellent ingredient for nourishing the spleen and stomach.
To make lotus root have the effects of nourishing the stomach, moistening yin, strengthening the spleen, and replenishing qi, it must be cooked. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that raw lotus root can eliminate stasis and cool the blood, clear heat and restlessness, and stop vomiting and thirst. Postpartum women are advised to avoid raw and cold foods, but lotus root is an exception because of its excellent ability to eliminate stasis. However, raw lotus root is cold in nature. Its sweet and cool nature can be irritating to the sensitive stomachs of the elderly. When cooked, its nature changes from cool to warm. Although it loses its ability to eliminate stasis and clear heat, it becomes beneficial to the spleen and stomach, with effects of nourishing the stomach, moistening yin, enriching the blood, and stopping diarrhea.
Crispy Fried Lotus Root Slices
In particular, processing lotus root into lotus root powder is a rare and nourishing food for the elderly. It is not only nutritious but also easy to digest, with the effects of nourishing blood to stop bleeding, regulating the middle jiao, and stimulating the appetite. Elderly friends with a weak spleen and stomach might want to eat more of it when fresh autumn lotus root is in season and make lotus root powder at home.
The preparation method is very simple: First, slice the lotus root, including the skin. To speed up the drying process, you can steam it for 5 minutes first. Then, spread the lotus root slices on a clean cloth to dry in the sun. Once they are completely dry, place them in a mortar and grind them into a powder.
For breakfast, mix a small bowl of crystal-clear lotus root powder with boiling water. The light fragrance of lotus root is particularly helpful for stimulating the elderly person's appetite. From a nutritional perspective, it not only ensures an adequate intake of carbohydrates but also provides some vitamin C and dietary fiber. If you usually have congee for breakfast, you might occasionally switch to lotus root powder for a change. For those who like a sweet taste, you can add a little honey, brown sugar, or osmanthus. Having lotus root powder as an afternoon snack is also a good choice.
There are also tricks to selecting lotus root. When buying, choose those with a yellowish surface and a sturdy body. The cut end should have a fresh fragrance. Lotus root treated with industrial acid appears very white and has a sour smell. Pay attention to ensure it is free from damage, rot, rust spots, broken sections, shriveling, or discoloration. Different parts of the lotus root have different processing and cooking methods. For example, the tip part is thinner and can be eaten as a salad. The middle section is suitable for stir-frying. The older parts are generally made into lotus root powder, sweet dishes, or fried.