Sesame Lake Lotus Root

Sesame Lake Lotus Root

Sesame Lake lotus root is a product with a geographical indication.

　　Xishui Bashan Sesame Lake lotus root is one of the four famous local products of eastern Hubei and has been listed as an imperial tribute since the Ming and Qing dynasties. Unlike ordinary lotus roots, which typically have seven holes, Sesame Lake lotus root has nine. Ordinary lotus roots are cylindrical in shape, with an old yellow skin, many joints covered in joint hair, and are fibrous when eaten raw. In contrast, this lotus root is thick and sturdy, with each stalk consisting of three sections, each about two feet long, square in shape with a groove on the surface, white skin that is smooth and tender like jade, free from joint hair and rust-colored discoloration. It retains its color even after ten to fifteen days of storage. When eaten raw, it is sweet and crisp; when cooked, it retains its color when stir-fried, doesn’t become cloudy when stewed, and boasts a rich aroma. Popular dishes include honey-glazed sweet lotus root, lotus root powder balls, and steamed lotus root with rice flour. (Xishui)

　　Sesame Lake Lotus Root

　　Geographical Scope

　　The production area of Sesame Lake lotus root is located in the southwestern part of Bashan Town, Xishui County, Hubei Province. To the east of the production area is Xumiaozui Village, to the west is Liujia Dun Village, to the south is Wu Jinshi Yao Village, and to the north is Sesame Lake Village. The production area covers 94 hectares with a total population of 135,000. It lies between 30°28′46″N – 30°29′4″N latitude and 115°01′9″E – 115°02′28″E longitude. The area is 4 kilometers from Bashan Town, 6 kilometers from the Yangtze River, 3 kilometers from the Da-Guang Expressway, and 10 kilometers from the Xishui Freight Station of the Beijing-Kowloon Railway, offering convenient transportation. The perennial planting area remains stable at over 90 hectares, with a total annual yield exceeding 2,000 tons.