Lotus root grows in marshes, ponds, lakes, or paddy fields and is a common ingredient in Lingnan cuisine. Li Shizhen noted in Compendium of Materia Medica that "physicians prescribe it as a tonic to ward off a hundred ailments," highlighting its significant therapeutic value.Yu Anqi, Deputy Director of Gynecology at Tongdewei Branch of Guangzhou Medical University Affiliated Hospital, explains that lotus root can be consumed both raw and cooked. Raw lotus root clears heat, cools the blood, and disperses stasis, treating feverish conditions with thirst, as well as vomiting blood and epistaxis. Cooked lotus root strengthens the spleen, stimulates appetite, nourishes blood, and promotes tissue regeneration.
Lotus root is cold in nature and sweet in taste, while cooked lotus root is sweet and warm. It enters the heart, spleen, stomach, liver, and lung meridians. The Materia Medica states: "Raw lotus root is sweet and cold, capable of cooling the blood to stop bleeding, clearing heat, and cleansing the stomach.Cooked lotus root is sweet and warm, strengthening the spleen, stimulating appetite, nourishing blood, and benefiting the heart. Thus, it primarily nourishes the five viscera, fortifies the lower jiao, aids digestion, stops diarrhea, promotes tissue regeneration, and when taken long-term, uplifts the spirit and calms anger." Rich in starch, protein, minerals, and vitamins, lotus root significantly replenishes qi and blood while enhancing immunity.
Xinkeng Town, situated at the southernmost tip of Guangzhou's Nansha District, lies at the brackish water junction where the Pearl River meets the sea. Its farmland forms a typical "wetland" with fertile soil rich in organic matter. The lotus roots harvested in autumn and winter from Xinkeng boast large, plump stems, pure sweetness, and a rich, fragrant aroma.
Yu Anqi advises that individuals with spleen-stomach deficiency, cold stomach, or prone to diarrhea should avoid consuming raw lotus root.
Lotus Root and Pork Rib Soup
【Ingredients】Two sections of lotus root, 500g pork spine bones
【Method】Rinse pork spine bones, cut into sections, and blanch briefly; set aside.Wash lotus root, cut into chunks, add 3 slices of ginger. Place all ingredients in a soup pot, cover with water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then simmer over low heat for one hour until meat is tender and lotus root is soft. Season with salt before serving.
【Benefits】Tonifies the middle energizer, strengthens bones and builds muscle. Primarily nourishes the five organs, aids digestion, and stops diarrhea. (Reporter Yu Yanhong, Correspondent Liang Yiyin)