Huzhou Snow Lotus Root

Huzhou Snow Lotus Root

　　Huzhou Snow Lotus Root has a long history dating back over a thousand years. During the Tang Dynasty, there was a saying that “in the southern Bai Ping Pavilion of Wuxing Commandery, there were double-petal lotuses” (double-petal lotuses). The variety was said to be royal, transplanted from beside Zhanghou’s residence in Changxing. By the Song Dynasty, ponds and pools were widespread with lotus plants. In Su Shi’s poem about viewing the lotuses around the city, he wrote “a thousand hectares of lotuses around the city,” which gives us an idea of the spectacular scene of lotuses covering the landscape at that time. The main producing areas of Huzhou lotus root are Shuangtang Village in Daochang Township on the outskirts of the city, as well as Longxi, Biannan, and Baique Township. This area is dotted with ponds and lakes, rich in fertile soil—perfect conditions for growing lotus roots. According to the HuZhou Prefecture Records: “The best comes from Shuangdu.” (Shuangdu Village is in Daochang Township, Huzhou). There’s a common saying: “Jilin ginseng and Shuangdu lotus root.” The lotus flowers grown here are white, known as white lotus blossoms. Both red and white lotuses are premium varieties, each with its own strengths: the red-flowered ones produce plump lotus seeds but firmer roots, while the white-flowered ones yield tender seeds and sweeter roots. The white lotus roots from Huzhou have jade-colored skin, are crisp and juicy, fragrant, sweet, and considered top-quality among lotus roots. Huzhou lotus root is also called “Snow Lotus Root.” In summer, the tender roots can be eaten as fruit to cool off, while in winter and spring, older roots can be cleaned, their holes stuffed with glutinous rice, steamed, and served as a snack—soft, sticky, sweet, and very delicious. Huzhou lotus root can also be processed into lotus root starch, candied snacks, and other delicacies, all beloved by locals. The root also has certain medicinal properties: raw lotus root can treat tuberculosis-related hemoptysis, gonorrhea, nosebleeds, and leukorrhea. Lotus seeds are not only a nutritious tonic food but also help strengthen the spleen and alleviate diarrhea. The lotus root starch made from Huzhou lotus root has a white color tinged with red, known as “Peach Blossom Slices,” and is of particularly high quality. (Huzhou)