Eight Lakes Lotus Root

Eight Lakes Lotus Root

Eight Lakes Lotus Root is a registered geographical indication agricultural product.

　　The Ministry of Agriculture announced the sixth batch of registered geographical indication agricultural products in 2011, and "Eight Lakes Lotus Root" applied for protection by the Yuhu Lotus Root Planting Professional Cooperative in Yuedong District, Linyi City, was included on the list, marking the first geographical indication registration and protection achievement in Yuedong District.

　　It is understood that Eight Lakes Lotus Root has a cultivation history of over 200 years. In recent years, with strong support and guidance from party committees and governments at all levels in the city, lotus root planting has developed rapidly, covering an area of 10,800 mu with an annual output of 16,200 tons. Lotus root planting has become an agricultural specialty and leading industry in Bahu Town, serving as an important channel for increasing agricultural efficiency and farmers' income. The 10,000-mu lotus pond on Jingang Ridge has become the fourth-largest contiguous lotus root development demonstration base in China.

　　The implementation of the geographical indication registration and protection for "Eight Lakes Lotus Root" will surely vigorously promote the leapfrog development of the lotus root industry in Yuedong District, safeguard the brand quality of Eight Lakes Lotus Root to the greatest extent, and further enhance its brand recognition in both domestic and international markets.

　　Eight Lakes Lotus Root

　　Geographic Scope

　　The protected geographic area of Eight Lakes Lotus Root is located on Jingang Ridge in Bahu Town, Yuedong District, Linyi City, Shandong Province, at an altitude of about 70 meters. The geographical coordinates are: 118°30′–118°31′ east longitude, 35°10′–35°13′ north latitude. It stretches 12.5 km from north to south and 2.6 km from east to west, covering a protected area of 720 hectares, with a production area of 720 hectares, an annual output of 16,200 tons, and an output value of 64.8 million yuan. It mainly involves 14 administrative villages in Bahu Town, including Jingang Ridge and Shaobahu.

　　Product Quality Characteristics

　　1. External Sensory Features: Eight Lakes Lotus Root has an attractive appearance, with a smooth, white, and semi-transparent surface. Each section typically has 4–5 nodes, with plump and large roots about 18 cm long and nine holes in the middle. The texture is crisp and tender without any residue, offering a sweet, crisp, and slightly sticky taste. 2. Internal Quality Indicators: Eight Lakes Lotus Root is rich in various nutrients, generally containing 2.5–3.5% sugar, 9.0–11.0% starch, 1.5–2.0% protein, 80.0–85.0% moisture, and 0.5–1.0% crude fiber. 3. Safety Requirements: The production and processing of Eight Lakes Lotus Root strictly follow the Quality Control Technical Specifications for Geographical Indication Agricultural Products of Eight Lakes Lotus Root, and must meet the hygiene and physicochemical standards of the Ministry of Agriculture’s [Pollution-Free Food – Aquatic Vegetables] NY/T5304—2005.