Sacred Lotus
Nelumbo nucifera — Nelumbonaceae
Italiano: Loto sacro — Kamala
Description
Sacred Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) belongs to the Nelumbonaceae family and is native to Asia. It thrives in Ponds, Lakes, Slow rivers, Temperate tropical wetlands environments across regions including India, China, Japan, Southeast Asia. Botanically, Sacred Lotus is sacred plant. Seeds crunchy nuts. Roots vegetable. Leaves wrap food.. It is also known locally as Kamala. The edible parts include Seeds, Roots, Young leaves. With an edibility rating of 8/10, it ranks as an excellent wild food source. Harvesting is best done during August, July, June, May and September. Nutritionally, Sacred Lotus stands out for its Vitamin K (18.0mg, 15% DV), Vitamin C (10.0mg, 11% DV) and Magnesium (39.0mg, 9% DV). It also provides 3.1g protein and 3.0g dietary fiber per 100g serving. In the kitchen, Sacred Lotus offers a Crunchy nutty starchy flavor profile. Seeds raw roasted roots stir-fry leaves wrap. Common culinary applications include seeds raw, roots stir-fry, leaf wrap. Popular preparations include Lotus root stir-fry, Lotus seeds, Lotus leaf rice, Toasted seed snack. For storage, roots 3d Seeds dried years. Safety note: No toxicity. Antinutrient content is starch high. Safe lookalike species include Water lily. Always verify identification with at least three independent botanical sources before consumption.
🌿 Foraging Tips
🍳 Recipe: Lotus root stir-fry
This is one of the traditional ways to prepare this wild edible plant. Always ensure proper plant identification before cooking.
Edibility
Harvest Calendar
Nutrition (per 100g)
Culinary Uses: seeds raw, roots stir-fry, leaf wrap Storage: Roots 3d Seeds dried years
Recipes
- Lotus root stir-fry
- Lotus seeds
- Lotus leaf rice
- Toasted seed snack
- Seed flour bread
- Seed dressing granola
- Stir-fried Sacred Lotus
- Sacred Lotus tempura
