Have you ever had lotus roots? This is what they look like when they’re fresh. These were picked this morning so I can be assured they are very fresh.

If you’ve never had lotus roots, there is a good chance you’d like them. The outer part of the root must be peeled off, and then the root should be rinsed. Next, the root is cut to your desired size. Often it is either sliced thinly, or cut into triangular chunks. Either way, once cut up, the pieces should again be rinsed. Why all the rinsing? Well, it’s a root, and as such it has been in soil. Often there is a little bit of the soil on the outside of the root, as well as inside.

Once cleaned, it can be fried, sautéed, boiled, steamed or deep-fried. We often eat lotus root that has been thinly sliced, then fried with some soy sauce, saké, and sugar. Last, a bit of vinegar is added. Tempura is also another way we enjoy it, as well as just fried like potato chips.

Any way you slice it, lotus roots taste great. Many thanks for the lotus roots!