The folk custom of eating lotus root during Xiaoshu

　　There is a folk custom in our country of "eating lotus roots during Xiaoshu". As early as the Xianfeng period of the Qing Dynasty, lotus root was designated as an imperial tribute.

　　How to choose lotus root? Nutrition expert introduces:

　　1. Quality requirements for lotus roots: The lotus roots should be plump, crisp and tender, rich in water, sweet, and fragrant. At the same time, the lotus root body should be free from injuries, rot, discoloration, rust spots, shrinkage, and joints. ； The lotus root is protected by a thin layer of mud.

　　2. The difference between red lotus root and white lotus root: Generally speaking, the outer skin of red lotus root is brown-yellow, the body is short and thick, and the raw lotus root tastes bitter.； White lotus root has a smooth skin, is silvery white, has a long and slender body, and tastes sweet when raw. Usually red lotus roots are used to stew pork ribs and lotus root soup, and white lotus roots are used to stir-fry lotus root slices. In addition, there is also a kind of twist lotus root of average quality, which is rough in appearance, pink in color and contains more starch.

　　According to traditional Chinese medicine experts, the therapeutic functions of lotus root cannot be ignored. Specifically, they have the following therapeutic functions:

　　1. Clear away heat and cool blood: Lotus root is cold in nature and has the effect of clearing away heat and cooling blood. It can be used to treat fever. sexually transmitted diseases disease； Lotus root is sweet and liquid, and is particularly beneficial to those suffering from fever, thirst, epistaxis, hemoptysis, and bleeding.

　　2. Laxative and antidiarrheal, invigorating the spleen and appetizing: Lotus root contains mucus protein and dietary fiber, which can combine with cholates in the human body, cholesterol and triglycerides in food, so that they can be excreted from the feces, thereby reducing the absorption of lipids. Lotus root exudes a unique fragrance and also contains tannins, which can strengthen the spleen and stop diarrhea. It can increase appetite, promote digestion, appetize and strengthen the body, and is beneficial to the recovery of patients with poor appetite and loss of appetite. healthy。

　　3. Benefit blood and promote muscle growth: Lotus root has high nutritional value and is rich in iron, calcium and other trace elements. It is also rich in plant protein, vitamins and starch. It has obvious effects on replenishing qi and blood and enhancing human immunity. Therefore, Chinese medicine says: "It mainly nourishes the middle and nourishes the mind, and replenishes qi and strength."

　　4. Stop bleeding and disperse blood stasis: Lotus root contains a large amount of tannic acid, which has the effect of constricting blood vessels and can be used to stop bleeding. Lotus root can also cool the blood and disperse blood. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that it can stop bleeding without leaving blood stasis, and is a good food therapy for febrile disease.

　　Applicable people

　　Which groups of people are suitable to eat lotus root? Experts say it can be consumed by the general population.

　　1. It is especially suitable for the elderly, young, women and children, and the frail and sick. It is especially suitable for patients with high fever, those who vomit blood, high blood pressure, liver disease, loss of appetite, and iron deficiency. anemia , Malnourished people should eat more；

　　2. Lotus root has a cool nature and should not be eaten too early by pregnant women.； Lotus root is cold in nature and is crisp and refreshing when eaten raw, but it disturbs the spleen and stomach. People with poor digestive function of the spleen and stomach and loose stools should not eat raw food. ；

　　3. Lotus root decoction can be taken orally to smooth the qi and widen the qi. Stir-fried with charcoal can stop bleeding and disperse blood stasis, and can be used for various types of hemorrhage. generally Postpartum Eating lotus root after 1-2 weeks can gradually relieve the pain.

　　Regarding the usage and dosage of lotus root, nutrition experts have tips for everyone:

　　1. Lotus root can be eaten raw, cooked, pounded into juice to drink, or dried and ground into powder to make porridge.

　　2. When eating lotus roots, choose ones with a yellowish-brown skin and thick and white flesh. If it turns black and has a peculiar smell, it is not suitable for consumption.

　　3. Raw and cooked lotus root is suitable for stir-frying, stewing, deep-frying and as an ingredient in dishes, such as "Eight Treasures Stuffed Lotus Root", "Fried Lotus Root Box", etc.

　　4. Avoid using iron utensils when cooking lotus roots to avoid causing the food to turn black.

　　5. Uncut lotus roots can be left at room temperature for a week. However, because lotus roots are easy to turn black and the cut parts are prone to rot, cut lotus roots should be covered with plastic wrap at the incisions and kept refrigerated for about a week.

　　Today I will introduce how to make lotus root:

　　Sweet and sour lotus root slices

　　Material: lotus root

　　Preparation: Wash the lotus root, slice it, and blanch it in hot water. Heat a pan, add some minced ginger to the pan, add lotus root slices and stir-fry. Add sugar and vinegar, continue to stir-fry, add water starch to thicken and serve.

　　Key points: You don’t have to blanch the lotus roots. You can drink the water used to blanch the lotus roots. Be careful not to burn the lotus roots, and try not to use iron tools, which can easily turn the lotus roots black. The gravy should be thickened.