Fast delivery
Get in as fast as 1 hour
It’s all local
Shop your favorites
Direct chat
Connect with shoppers
Lotus Root Delivery or Pickup
The Instacart guide to lotus root
About lotus root
Many people are familiar with the very symbolic lotus flower, but few people are aware that the flower's root is actually edible. The lotus root is the part of the flower that grows underneath the water and appears similar to sausage links. They are sold in shorter portions to make them more manageable.
The lotus root is high in fiber, making it a great choice to aid in digestion. It's also a low-calorie option that contains vitamin C, manganese, zinc, iron, copper, vitamin B, potassium, and magnesium, which lead to general health benefits including:
- Improving immune system: Lotus root contains vitamin C as the most prominent element, which is known to improve the immune system and strengthen organs, skin, and blood vessels.
- Regulating blood pressure: The iron and copper combination improves circulation throughout the body and gives you more energy, while potassium helps regulate blood pressure.
- Improving digestion: The high dietary fiber in lotus root aids in digestion and reducing constipation.
- Reducing stress: The vitamin B within the lotus root contains pyridoxine which improves your mood, reduces headaches, and is linked to being a natural stress reliever.
How to pick out lotus root
When selecting a lotus root, you should pay attention to the firmness and color. A lotus root should be firm and light brown. If a root appears to have dark green, black, or gray spots and is soft, it has probably spoiled.Â
Once you've picked the root you think is best, cut it open to examine the inside. The inside color should be light pink, and if there is any appearance of yellow or brown, you should discard the root. Additionally, if the root has a sour smell once cut, consider it compost or simply throw it out.
Lotus roots can stay good for about two weeks if you leave them uncut. Once you slice them, they can last three to four days if stored properly. To see if the root has gone bad after slicing, you can look for the same qualities you would when picking it out.
To store a lotus root properly, put it in the refrigerator. If sliced/cut already, store in the fridge wrapped in a damp paper towel.
How to cook lotus root
When it comes to preparing and cooking a lotus root, it is similar to how you would prep and cook a sweet potato. There are a few different ways you can prepare a lotus root.
If you're choosing to boil them, you should start by peeling the skin off. Then, place the entire root in boiled water. It's a good idea to add vinegar to the boiling water to prevent the skin from darkening like it would a raw potato. Some people choose to slice the lotus root first and then boil the little slices; it's basically personal preference.
The amount of time you should boil the root or slices is based on the texture you're looking for. If you want the lotus root to maintain its crunch, boil it for less time. The longer you boil the root or slices, the softer and sort of stickier they become. Start with three to five minutes first and then assess the texture.
Besides boiling them, you can choose to bake them as well. When baking them, slice the lotus root first and season them to your liking. Many people add a mixture of olive oil and salt. You can bake them on high for 20 to 22 minutes, but make sure to flip them over halfway through.Â
Some people even stir-fry the lotus root. They start by cutting the root into thin slices and then cooking in a little bit of oil over high heat for two to three minutes. To enhance the flavor in the lotus root, they'll add in additional vegetables while stir-frying, such as carrots or asparagus.Â
Lotus Root Near Me
Buy your favorite Lotus Root online with Instacart. Order Lotus Root from local and national retailers near you and enjoy on-demand, contactless delivery or pickup within 2 hours.
FAQs about lotus root
Lotus root can be used as a substitute for other similar root-like vegetables, like turnips. Lotus is tasty in soups and stews and appears in a variety of Japanese recipes, such as Kinpira Renkon, or sauteed lotus root sliced thin into beautiful, round chips. Some more complex recipes to consider adding lotus root to are vegetable soup, beef stew, or even potato casserole. There are even recipes for vegan lotus root burgers.
When a lotus root is sliced, it almost looks like a flower, with a small center hole and then surrounding bigger holes around it. Some people may say it looks like an old rotary phone as well. Regardless of what you think it looks like, it can be a lovely plate decoration. People looking to make creative and artsy dishes may add a lotus root for bright, visually appealing garnish.