Fuping Nine-Eye Lotus Root

Fuping Nine-Eye Lotus Root

Fuping Nine-Eye Lotus Root is a protected geographical indication product.

　　Fuping Nine-Eye Lotus Root is a specialty of Fuping County, Weinan City, Shaanxi Province. The “Nine-Eye Lotus Root” has sections about a foot and a half long, pure white as jade, plump like a child’s leg, and solid to the touch. When cut, it reveals nine holes, with slices as thin as cicada wings. It can be eaten raw or cooked, with no stringiness, offering a crisp, tender, sweet, and refreshing taste. Wrapped in lotus leaves, food takes on a fragrant aroma, and the root itself preserves well and stores durably. It is famous throughout the Guanzhong region.

　　Nine-Eye Lotus Root is a specialty of Fuping County, with a long history of cultivation and enduring fame. Both red and white varieties are grown. The lotus root from Fuping has nine holes arranged in a ring, hence the name “Nine-Eye Lotus Root.” Its sections are about a foot and a half long, pure white as jade, plump like a child’s leg, and solid to the touch. When sliced, the holes appear as thin as paper wings. It can be eaten raw or cooked, with no stringiness, offering a crisp, tender, sweet, and refreshing taste. Wrapped in lotus leaves, food takes on a fragrant aroma, and the root preserves well and stores durably. It is mainly produced in the western part of Fuping County, the upper reaches of the Wenquan River, and the Nanhui area south of the city, and is renowned across the Guanzhong region. Legend has it that it was once offered as a tribute to the emperor. As a premium variety of lotus root, the Nine-Eye is said to have been introduced from West Lake during the Western Han Dynasty by Empress Dowager Bo, who traveled through Jixin. Nurtured by the clear waters of the hot springs and the pure local energy, it became a tribute presented to the imperial palace by dignitaries of successive dynasties. It symbolizes hospitality and the forging of deep friendships among the kind-hearted people of Fuping. A notable native celebrity always includes Fuping’s signature Nine-Eye Lotus Root on their birthday. In 1988, “Nine-Eye Lotus Root” was included in the Shaanxi Province Local Famous, Special, and High-Quality Products List.