Lotus

While our family was still jet lagged we went for a 6 a.m. walk at West Lake. In the hot summer months all around West Lake the lotus flowers are blooming. The deep green leaves growing from the water and soft pink flowers offer a lazy, carefree summer day feeling. After strolling along, we noticed a line forming by the water’s edge. “What is going on? Is this a tour group or morning exercisers?” GaoYan asked. “You see that row boat way over there? They will bring a boat load of lotus seed pods and leaves to sell.” When the boat arrived there was much excitement, some pushing, shoving, and cutting in line. After all, these are West Lake lotus products. For 15 kuai GaoYan bought all these seed pods and giant leaves. As you might have guessed, there are a myriad of uses. Around 20 seeds are in each pod. The seeds can be cooked in rice porridge or eaten raw. I think they taste like slightly bitter raw peanuts. Maybe you have seen the dried seed pods used in dried flower arrangements. Use the leaf to wrap up sticky rice and chicken or pork. Steam the wrap as the flavor of the lotus leaf cooks into the meat. The leaf can also be dried and cut into smaller pieces for a traditional medicine tea. The water shedding leaf could even serve as a hat in a sudden rain shower. These uses were discussed in great detail while standing in line and after tying up the leaves with string to the backs of bicycles. We love it when a new seed pod of Hangzhou culture finds us. P.S. Sweet and sour lotus root is also delicious.