Xinzhen Lotus Root

Xinzhen Lotus Root

Xinzhen lotus root is a product with geographical indication status.

　　Xinzhen is situated in the transitional zone from the mountainous area of western Henan to the plain of eastern Henan. It enjoys a warm temperate monsoon climate, featuring ample sunlight, a long frost-free season, significant day-night temperature differences, shallow groundwater, and neutral soil — ideal conditions for growing lotus root. The area’s four main rivers were renowned for their lotus root production as early as the Tang Dynasty, which is how the north-south flowing “Lotus River” got its name. In 1923, the excavation of the Lotus and Crane Square Cauldron in Xinzhen — representing the pinnacle of China’s Bronze Age bronze-casting technology — indicated that lotus root cultivation had already begun in Xinzhen during the Spring and Autumn Period. Throughout the planting process, Xinzhen lotus root relies entirely on groundwater and is produced according to “pollution-free” standards, meeting the national Grade A pollution-free production criteria. It has been designated as a pollution-free vegetable by Henan Province. The lotus root has a clean, smooth, and tender skin, is pure and fiber-free when eaten, and offers a delicate, crisp, and sweet taste. It can be stir-fried, sautéed, stewed, boiled, or processed into lotus root starch and various decorative desserts. It also provides health benefits such as calming the nerves, lowering blood pressure, reducing inflammation, alleviating diarrhea, and aiding in weight loss, classifying it as a health food. It has been registered under the trademark “Zhengfeng” Xinzhen Lotus Root by the Trademark Office of the State Administration for Industry and Commerce. Currently, the lotus root production base centered around Hezhuang Town covers an area of 32,000 mu. Xinzhen has gradually become a distribution hub for northern lotus root vegetables and has been designated by the Wuhan Vegetable Research Institute as a northern lotus root seed breeding base. With the continuous expansion of water-saving lotus root cultivation, the ecological environment in the sandy areas of eastern Xinzhen has significantly improved. Rainfall has notably increased compared to the past, the air has become fresher and more humid, and water birds such as egrets, cranes, and wild ducks have come to inhabit and breed, creating a beautiful landscape. This has attracted a large number of tourists for leisure, entertainment, and sightseeing every year, as well as many photographers and painters for scenic shoots and sketches.

　　Xinzhen Lotus Root

　　Geographical Scope

　　The protected geographical area for Xinzhen lotus root is located in the northeastern sandy region of Xinzhen City. It includes 128 administrative villages across five towns: Hezhuang Town, Baiqian Township, Xuedian Town, Longwang Township, and Mengzhuang Town. The geographical coordinates of the protected area are longitude 113°30′–113°54′ and latitude 34°16′–34°39′. The suitable planting area for lotus root spans 15,000 hectares, with 4,000 hectares currently under well-watered cultivation, yielding a total annual production of 147,000 tons.

　　Product Quality Characteristics

　　1. External Sensory Features: The lotus root has a clean white color, uniform roots, and a maximum segment diameter of over 7 cm, making it suitable for fresh consumption and further processing. 2. Internal Quality Indicators: In addition to the general nutritional components found in lotus root, Xinzhen lotus root is higher in protein, vitamin C, calcium, and iron. Measurements show that it contains 1.8–2.3 g/100g of protein, 52–60 mg/kg of calcium, 2–2.5 mg/kg of iron, 11–26.25 g/kg of starch, and 63–79.3 mg/kg of vitamin C. 3. Safety Requirements: The production area must comply with the standards outlined in “NY5010-2002 Pollution-Free Food Vegetable Growing Environment Conditions.” The production and management processes strictly follow the “Pollution-Free Food Lotus Root Production Technical Regulations” (DB410184/T07-13-2001). The use of unregistered fertilizers and pesticides, as well as nationally banned agrochemicals, is prohibited. Standardized production practices are implemented to ensure the quality and safety of the lotus root.