Lishui White Lotus

Lishui White Lotus

　　Lishui White Lotus

　　Lishui White Lotus is produced in Lishui City, Zhejiang Province, also known as Chuzhou White Lotus, a name derived from the city’s history as the capital of Chuzhou Prefecture during the Ming and Qing dynasties. It features five key characteristics: round and plump grains, white color, tender flesh,

　　and a sweet taste. Its edible portion contains 16.6 grams of protein, 2 grams of fat, 62 grams of sugar, and 332 kilocalories per 100 grams,

　　as well as 2.2 grams of crude fiber, 3.9 grams of ash, 89 milligrams of calcium, 285 milligrams of phosphorus, and 6.4 milligrams of iron.

　　Based on quality and specifications, it is divided into two types:

　　Summer Lotus and

　　Autumn Lotus. Summer Lotus is harvested before the Autumn Equinox. The seeds are the first to mature from summer blooms, and they are rich in nutrients, with round and full grains, thin shells,

　　white-to-light-red skin. When split open, the lotus heart adheres tightly to the flesh, the cavity is shallow and narrow, and the flesh is thick and of high quality. Autumn Lotus is harvested after the Autumn Equinox. It is

　　slender in shape, with small grains, thick shells, and dark red skin. When split, the cavity resembles a small spoon, the flesh is thin, and the overall quality is comparatively lower.

　　Lishui City is located in southern Zhejiang and has a subtropical climate, with an average annual temperature of 18.1°C and annual precipitation of 1,427 mm. Rainfall is abundant in May and June but scarce in July and August, when temperatures are high. The fertile plains around Lishui’s urban area have been used to cultivate white lotus for over 1,400 years. As early as 800 years ago, the city was already known as the “Lotus City.” In addition to domestic sales, some of the product is exported.