Honghu Lotus Root

Honghu Lotus Root

Honghu Lotus Root is a product with geographical indication.

　　Honghu Lotus Root: The lotus root produced in Honghu is an aquatic crop, commonly known as lotus vegetable, lotus root, or lotus tuber. It belongs to the herbaceous plant family and is one of the major local specialties of Honghu, Hubei. With a long planting history, it is well-known throughout the land of Chu.

　　Honghu lotus root boasts a long historical heritage and rich cultural connotations. The entire area of Honghu is covered with lotus roots, making it a place abundant in lotus, fish, and wild ducks. Since ancient times, it has been celebrated with the reputation: “The fish of the Yangtze River, the lotus root of Honghu — once tasted by scholars and beauties, they never want to leave.” Along with the revolutionary song “Waves on the Honghu Lake,” which includes the beautiful lyrics “Wild ducks and lotus roots everywhere, autumn harvest fills the fields with the fragrance of rice,” Honghu lotus root gained nationwide fame and became an intangible asset for the people of Honghu in their entrepreneurial and wealth-building endeavors. Honghu lotus root is a unique variety among lotus roots in Hubei, with over 2,300 years of planting history. It is said that planting began here shortly after the siltation that formed Honghu Lake during the mid-Yuan Dynasty. Thanks to the fertile soil and water, the people of Honghu have cultivated this premium variety over a long period. Honghu lotus root is rich in starch, protein, vitamins, and other nutrients. It can be eaten fresh, processed, or used medicinally. In 2015, the planting area of Honghu lotus root reached over 10,000 hectares, with a total output of 300,000 tons, and the product was sold across the country.

　　Lotus root grows in shallow water, with flowers that are light red or white, also known as lotus flower or lotus blossom. It is regarded as one of the “Four Gentlemen” among flowers in ancient times. Its underground stem, called the lotus root, is a delicious food known for its fragrant, crisp, refreshing, and crisp-tender qualities. It can be prepared into a variety of tasty dishes using methods such as stir-frying, braising, or deep-frying. It can also be made into fine, snow-white, pure-flavored lotus root powder, candied fruit, and other delicacies, serving as a nourishing treasure. The seeds are called lotus seeds, which are precious food ingredients and famous banquet dishes. More importantly, they have the effects of strengthening the spleen, astringing the intestines, nourishing the heart, and benefiting the kidneys, treating conditions such as spleen deficiency diarrhea, and excessive dreaming at night. The green core in the center of the lotus seed is called the “lotus seed heart,” containing compounds like lotusine and isolotusine, which help clear heat and reduce internal fire. The stamens of the lotus flower are called “lotus stamens,” containing various bioactive compounds and flavonoids, which help strengthen the kidneys and control essence. Every part of the lotus root is valuable and can be used in traditional Chinese medicine, offering benefits such as clearing the lungs, regulating qi, stopping bleeding, and promoting lactation. With its pure flavor, crisp taste, and good storability, it is an excellent aquatic vegetable.

　　Region:

　　Hubei

　　Applicant:

　　Honghu Aquatic Vegetable Association

　　Region:

　　2014

　　Geographic Scope

　　Honghu City is located at the southeastern edge of the Jianghan Plain, downstream of the Four Lakes water system, and is known as the “Land of Fish and Rice” and the “Water Town.” Its geographical coordinates are between 113°07′ to 114°05′ east longitude and 29°39′ to 30°02′ north latitude. The city spans approximately 94 kilometers from east to west and about 62 kilometers from north to south. It is surrounded by the Yangtze River and the Dongjing River on the east, south, and north sides, while the western side features the 100-li (50 km) Honghu Lake, which connects to the northern Jing water system. To the east and south, it borders the Yangtze River, facing Jiayu County, Chibi City, and Linxiang County of Hunan Province across the river. To the west, it shares a land and water boundary with Jianli County. To the north, it lies along the Dongjing River, facing Xiantao City across the water. Its northeastern corner is adjacent to Wuhan City. Honghu lotus root is produced in 20 towns and districts of Honghu City, Hubei Province, including XinDi Subdistrict, Binhu Subdistrict, Luoshan Town, Wulin Town, Longkou Town, Yanwo Town, Xintan Town, Fengkou Town, Caoshi Town, Fuchang Town, Daijiachang Town, Qujiawan Town, Shakou Town, Wantian Town, Shahexiang Town, Huangjia Kou Town, Laowan Hui Ethnic Township, Datonghu Management Area, Dashahu Management Area, and Xiaogang Management Area.