Xiaohe Lotus Root

Xiaohe Lotus Root

Xiaohe Lotus Root is a product with a geographical indication for agricultural products.

　　Xiaohe Lotus Root 　　In front of Xixiaoyou Village, Baishabu Town, north of Linyi City, there is a small river called Xiaohe (Filial Piety River), the site of the legendary tale “Wang Xiang Lying on Ice to Catch Fish, Moving Heaven with Filial Piety.” The waters of Xiaohe are clear, sweet, and refreshing, with black-purple silt at the bottom. The river is abundant in produce such as white lotus root, red lotus root, water bamboo, water chestnuts, fish, and shrimp, but the white lotus root is especially renowned. It is ranked among the three most famous local specialties of the former Linyi County-level city, along with Shagou taro and Tangya rice, and enjoys the praise “Shagou taro and Xiaohe lotus root, Tangya rice fragrant to the taste.”

　　Xiaohe lotus root is plump, slender, crisp, and tender. Compared to other types of lotus root, its sections are shorter and thicker, with smooth, glossy skin. It is pleasantly crisp and sweet, delicate and free of fibers, making it suitable for both raw and cooked consumption. It can be stir-fried, deep-fried, steamed, boiled, or served cold in various salads, offering a wide range of preparations and flavors. There are over 60 dishes featuring it that can be found in traditional recipes, far surpassing ordinary river or pond lotus roots. Its leaves and lotus seeds, when made into “lotus leaf congee” or “lotus seed soup,” are also considered nourishing delicacies and delicious dishes. Additionally, Xiaohe white lotus root has medicinal properties, helping to constrict and stop bleeding, cool the blood, and resolve stasis. Throughout history, those fortunate enough to taste Xiaohe white lotus root have never failed to speak of it with relish and endless praise.

　　The origins of Xiaohe white lotus root cultivation are unclear, but since ancient times, during harvest season, merchants from all over would flock to the banks of Xiaohe, competing to purchase it. 　　Xiaohe white lotus root is not only a delicious delicacy, but its lotus flowers and leaves also hold great ornamental value. Every June and July, the entire Xiaohe area is a sight to behold with “boundless green lotus leaves reaching to the sky and lotus flowers exceptionally red under the sun.” Up close, they stand “gracefully upright,” and from afar, their fragrance “spreads far and grows clearer,” making it a famous scenic attraction. A poem praises it: “June’s Xiaohe surpasses a fairy mirror, with myriad reds and greens dancing in the spring breeze. Green coins layer like kingfisher feathers rising to the heavens, while jade-like lotus buds bloom forth from the earth. Lotus leaves sway gently beside persimmon trees, and lotus flowers vie in beauty with memorial pavilions. Their subtle fragrance wafts, enchanting bees and butterflies, while the wind delights travelers, drunk upon the boat.”

　　Geographic Scope

　　The protected production area of Xiaohe Lotus Root is within Linyi City, Shandong Province. The geographical coordinates are: 118°21′–118°26′ east longitude, 35°09′–35°14′ north latitude. It spans 12.5 km from north to south and 5.6 km from east to west, covering a protected area of 65 hectares, with a production area also of 65 hectares. The annual yield is 1,500 tons, with an output value of 6 million yuan. It mainly involves 50 administrative villages, including Zhupan Village and Xixiaoyou Village in Baishabu Town.

　　Product Quality Characteristics

　　1. External Sensory Characteristics: Xiaohe lotus root is plump, slender, crisp, and tender. Compared to other types, it has 10 internal cavities, shorter and thicker sections, smooth and glossy skin. It is pleasantly crisp and sweet, delicate and free of fibers, making it suitable for both raw and cooked consumption. 　　2. Internal Quality Indicators: Xiaohe lotus root is rich in nutrients. Per 100g, it contains total sugar ≥2.0%, starch 40%–45%, protein ≥1.8%, moisture 86.2%–88.6%, carbohydrates ≥7.5%, and crude fiber ≤0.4%. 　　3. Safety Requirements: The production and processing of Xiaohe lotus root strictly follow the Quality Control Technical Specifications for the Geographical Indication Agricultural Product — Xiaohe Lotus Root. It must meet the hygiene and physicochemical standards outlined in the Ministry of Agriculture’s “Pollution-Free Food – Aquatic Vegetables” standard NY/T5304—2005.