Renkon: The Unique Root of the Lotus Plant | Uwajipedia | Uwajimaya (2024)

FAQs

Is renkon lotus root? ›

Renkon or lotus root is often used in Nimono dishes (boiled and seasoned vegetables) or Tempura. Technically, they are actually rhizomes or subterranean stems, like ginger, but let's call them roots. Renkon has holes running through the roots, giving it a very unique appearance when cut.

Lotus root is a moderate-calorie root vegetable (100 g of root stem provides about 74 calories) and is composed of several vitamins, minerals, and nutrients: 83.80% water, 0.11% fat, 1.56% reducing sugar, 0.41% sucrose, 2.70% crude protein, 9.25% starch, 0.80% fiber, 0.10% ash and 0.06% calcium.

Renkon is often translated as “lotus” in English, which means eight. True to its name, the renkon normally has eight or nine holes that are used to transport water to the surface. The holes are a good indicator of healthy growth and boast a unique configuration including smaller holes in the middle for respiration.

Lotus root is the edible rhizome (the subterranean stem) of the lotus plant, a perennial aquatic plant that grows beautiful pink-hued or white flowers.

Renkon is very inconspicuous and at the same time so highly beneficial. It is low in calories, rich in fiber and has a lot of vitamins and minerals, which all together helps good digestion, improves immunity and maintains a good mood.

RENKON IS PACKED WITH MINERALS.

Iron is necessary for creating red blood cells and transporting oxygen while magnesium helps the body keep blood sugar levels in check and allows the body to maintain normal nerve, muscle, and immune functions.

Incorporating lotus root in your diet can prove to be beneficial for your skin, hair and eyes as it is rich in Vitamin A. Vitamin A present in Lotus root has anti-oxidant properties and help prevent macular degeneration and ocular conditions and even helps to treat skin problems and inflammation.

Lotus root has complex carbs, several nutrients, minerals, vitamins, and fibre, which provide numerous health benefits. As a result, it aids in weight management, digestion, immunity, excretion, and inflammation healing. It also improves stress management by improving blood circulation and heart health.

Special Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if lotus is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use. Surgery: Lotus might interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgery.

The edible part of the lotus plant is the root, seeds, and young flower stalks. When the lotus seeds inside the seed head are green, they can be eaten raw as they are sweet.

Can I eat lotus root raw? ›

Eating it raw is not advised as the high starch and fiber content may cause digestive issues for some people. Raw lotus tastes bitter and tannic, which may be unpleasant. Cut it into thick or thin slices, chunks, or sections.

This make-at-home chip is a great way to satisfy a crunchy snack craving that uses a root called lotus root. Lotus root is very similar to potatoes in texture when raw, but with a very different nutritional profile. It's typically higher in protein than potatoes and lower in calories and packed with nutrients too.

Lotus plants are found in Asia, Australia, New Guinea, and some parts of the Middle East. They grow in muddy water, and people collect their roots from August to fall. According to records of Joriku Fudoki, people in Japan have been eating the root for a very long time.

Interestingly, one of the gems amongst all the bounteous ingredients that lotus consists of, is its fibrous stem also known as lotus roots.

Lotus root is actually the swollen stem of a flower by the same name, which is native to Asia, Australia, and North America. The root develops air pockets as it grows, which give the vegetable a distinctive lacy pattern when it is sliced crosswise.

A classic Japanese side dish featuring lotus is kinpira, stir-fried lotus root seasoned with soy sauce, mirin, sake, and shichimi togarashi or white sesame seeds. Other names include Sacred Water lotus and Chinese Arrowroot.

Lotus root, also called renkon in Japanese, comes from a beautiful flower with a special meaning in Buddhism. It's a versatile and ancient ingredient used a lot in Asian cuisine. Lotus plants are found in Asia, Australia, New Guinea, and some parts of the Middle East.

Kamal kakdi, bhen, taamarya tandu (or taamara karyangu).. these are some other names for this vegetable in different parts of India.

The root of the lotus plant, renkon is utilized in East Asian cuisine for its crisp snap and crunchy texture. Cut into a cross-section, it's a funny-looking vegetable with hollow spots that make a star- or snowflake-shaped circle within each slice.