Miancheng Lotus Root

Miancheng Lotus Root

Miancheng lotus root is a Geographical Indication Certification trademark.

　　Miancheng lotus root is a specialty of Miancheng Hui Ethnic Town in Xiantao City, Hubei Province. Miancheng is abundant in lotus roots and is known as the "Lotus Township and Root City." The lotus roots from Miancheng are thick, plump, crisp in texture, delicately veined, and delicious in taste. Miancheng lotus root has been awarded a National Geographical Indication Certification trademark.

　　Miancheng is abundant in lotus roots and is known as the "Lotus Township and Root City." The lotus roots of Miancheng, especially those from the lotus ponds, are the most famous. It is one of the four major local specialties of Xiantao City, and there is a popular saying: “Salty eggs from Shahu, wine from Fan Guan; braised chicken from Maozui, and lotus roots from Miancheng.” Professor Fan Xixin from Beijing once wrote a poem in praise: “Golden sunset shines on the ancient bridge, lotus flowers all exquisitely charming. A thousand years of governance have passed, yet only the lotus roots remain ever red.”

　　Miancheng lotus roots are thick, plump, crisp in texture, delicately veined, and delicious in taste. When eaten raw, they are sweet and refreshing; when cooked, they are soft and fragrant. Truly, “raw, they are as sweet and cool as autumn pears; cooked, they are as fluffy as chestnuts.” The lotus seeds are sweet and refreshing, with the effects of clearing the heart, strengthening the spleen, and replenishing qi and the middle energizer, thus earning them the reputation of “White Jade Lotus Ginseng.” Historically, they were always tribute to the emperor and regarded as a delicacy at the table.

　　The deliciousness of Miancheng lotus roots may indeed be attributed to the beautiful legend of “Li Bai Gifting Lotus Seeds and Inviting Divine Varieties” and the continuously evolving fine varieties passed down through generations; or perhaps it is due to the region’s outstanding geographical environment and fertile, sweet water and soil.

　　As the saying goes, “A good dish also needs a skilled cook.” The people of Miancheng are also very skilled at cooking lotus roots. If you are interested in visiting Miancheng, the hospitable locals will show off their specialties and carefully prepare a variety of lotus root dishes and lotus soups for you. Such as stewed lotus root, mashed lotus root, steamed lotus root, stir-fried lotus root, braised lotus root, and lotus seed and white fungus soup, among others. They will also enthusiastically recommend them to you, pointing out this is “Sea Clam Holding a Pearl,” that is “Phoenix Spreading Its Wings”; this is “Layered Assorted Delights,” that is “Eight-Treasure Lotus Soup”; this is “Magnolia and Lotus,” that is “Lotus Dew Longing”... As for food products mainly made from lotus roots, there are: lotus root cans, lotus root sandwiches, lotus root cakes, lotus root powder, lotus root crisps, lotus root balls, honey lotus, and lotus cakes, among many others, each with its own unique features.

　　Especially around the time when early lotus roots hit the market during the Dragon Boat Festival in May, people rush to buy the “new crop.” For a while, baskets of all sizes are filled with “White Silk,” “Yellow Tips,” “Spindles,” and “Gun Barrels.”

　　As the Spring Festival approaches, it is the peak sales season for Miancheng lotus roots, and the streets and alleys are filled with the fragrance of lotus roots. Buyers from Wuhan, Huangshi, Jingzhou, and other parts of the country flock here, taking truckload after truckload of Miancheng lotus roots to all corners. Meanwhile, Miancheng natives who return home for family visits from cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi’an, after eating their fill of hometown lotus roots, also take a few back as gifts for relatives and friends. Truly, Miancheng lotus seeds and lotus roots are so good, you’ll want to take some home even after eating your fill.

　　In recent years, Miancheng lotus roots have entered the supermarkets of big cities, becoming a green food that people rush to buy.

　　In 2013, the “Miancheng Lotus Root” was recognized by the Trademark Office of the State Administration for Industry and Commerce as a China National Geographical Indication Certification trademark.

　　Xian Tao City Miancheng Hui Ethnic Town Vegetable Association

　　11905021

　　Lotus Root (Fresh Vegetables)