Good lotus root should be fresh. Root with mud on it is usually fresher and can be stored for a longer time. When you buy it, you just need to brush off some mud to check if the lotus root has any obvious external damage. How to choose good lotus root in autumn?
Good lotus root is slightly yellow in color and has a light fragrance.
Just like lotus seeds, good lotus root is not pure white. It naturally has a yellowish tint from the soil. If it looks unnaturally white and tastes sour, it has likely been processed.
Good lotus root is well-matured.
A mature lotus root will have thick and short sections with longer nodes.
Good lotus root depends on the part you choose.
Lotus root has several sections. The tip is more tender and can be eaten cold. The middle sections are good for stir-frying. The thicker, older sections are generally stuffed with glutinous rice and boiled to make sweet lotus root with osmanthus.
Good lotus root has large air vents.
Usually, the larger the air vents on a lotus root, the juicier it will be.