Yueyang Xianglian (Lotus Seeds)

Yueyang Xianglian

　　Xianglian is one of Yueyang’s renowned local products. The seeds are large, plump, snow-white, round, and finely textured, with a delicate fragrance, sweet taste, and rich nutrition. They are an essential dish at Yueyang banquets.

　　　　The famous Northern Song Dynasty philosopher Zhou Dunyi, in his essay "In Praise of Lotus," referred to the lotus as the gentleman of flowers, praising its ability to "remain unstained by the mud it grows in and unspoiled by the clean water it washes in." The fruit of the lotus is the widely loved food — lotus seeds. Lotus seeds are divided into white lotus seeds and red lotus seeds. White lotus seeds are larger in size, oval in shape, with snow-white flesh that is tender and soft, making them the premium variety; red lotus seeds are smaller, with a pointed and elongated shape, and earth-red flesh that is rough and hard. The lake lotus roots that locals like to use for stewing meat in autumn and winter come from the roots of red lotus. The Dongting Lake area boasts vast waters, fertile soil, and a mild climate, making it ideal for growing Xianglian. Yueyang County, Huarong County, Miluo City, Xiangyin County, and Qianlianghu Farm are major production areas and enjoy a high reputation across China.

　　　　According to the "Compendium of Materia Medica," lotus seeds are rich in starch and raffinose, with carbohydrates accounting for 62%, protein 17%, fat 2%, as well as various nutrients such as calcium, phosphorus, iron, vitamins, and carotene. Their medicinal benefits include nourishing the heart, strengthening the spleen, benefiting the kidneys, and lubricating the intestines. The "Compendium of Materia Medica" also states that lotus seeds can harmonize heart and kidney functions, strengthen the stomach and intestines, consolidate vital energy, fortify bones and muscles, replenish deficiencies, and benefit the ears and eyes. Lotus seeds cooked with rock sugar to make Rock Sugar Lotus Seeds is a delicious delicacy often served at Yueyang banquets. Historical records indicate that Emperor Guangxu of the Qing Dynasty was particularly fond of Rock Sugar Lotus Seeds and would often eat them to refresh himself during nighttime political discussions. Yueyang Xianglian is world-renowned for its large size and superior quality.