Lotus roots are the underwater rhizomes of perennial aquatic plants. These rhizomes, that look like underwater sausage links, are connected to other rhizomes by smaller roots, creating groups of three to five that can grow to be over one meter long as a whole.
Typically, lotus roots are oblong, tubular roots that grow underground in water bodies and have an average diameter of 5-10 centimetres and a length of 10-20 centimetres.
Lotus root is firm when young, and the skin is a light purple to white hue that changes to a brownish tone with darker brown speckles when it reaches maturity.
The flesh beneath the thin skin is a creamy ivory colour, crisp, light, and starchy. In the flesh, there are a number of pinwheel-shaped air pockets that extend the entire length of the rhizome.
Lotus roots exist in two major varieties, one found in China and one in the Americas. In Asian cooking, particularly in vegetarian Chinese cuisine, the root is a popular ingredient. Stir-fries and soups feature lotus roots as a mild, crunchy ingredient. Like colocasia/taro root and water chestnut, lotus roots have a dense and crunchy texture with a nutty and sweet flavour.
Because lotus root is high in carbohydrates, it is considered to be an energy-dense food. Also, it is high in fibre content. Additionally, it contains vitamin B and C, potassium, magnesium, manganese, copper, iron, and zinc.
Scientific name of Lotus Roots
Nelumbo Nucifera
Other names of Lotus Roots
- Kamal Kakdi
- Ren Kon
- Chinese Arrowroot
Nutrition facts of Lotus Roots
*Serving size = 100 grams = 3.55 Ounces = 1/2 cup
*DV= % Daily Value (%DV indicates how much nutrients contribute to a person’s daily diet from a serving of a food. DV assists you in determining whether or not a serving of food is high or low in a particular nutrient.)
| Nutrient | Amount | Unit | DV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 74 | KCAL | |
| Fat | 0.1 | GRAM | 0% |
| Protein | 2.6 | GRAM | 5% |
| Carbohydrate | 17.23 | GRAM | 6% |
Calories by source in Lotus Roots:
- Calories by carbohydrate in Lotus Roots = 89%
- Calories by fat in Lotus Roots = 1%
- Calories by protein in Lotus Roots = 10%
Fats and Fatty Acid profile of Lotus Roots:
- Polyunsaturated fat (PUFA) in Lotus Roots = 29%
- Saturated fat (SFA) in Lotus Roots = 43%
- Monounsaturated fat (MUFA) in Lotus Roots = 29%
Detailed vitamin profile of Lotus Roots, vitamin A, vitamin B12, vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin D, Folate, Niacin, Thiamin, and Riboflavin is shown in the chart at the end of the article.
Detailed mineral profile of Lotus Roots, Sodium(Na), Calcium(Ca), Copper(Cu), Iron(Fe), Magnesium(Mg), Selenium(Se), Phosphorus(P), Potassium(K) and Zinc(Zn) is shown the chart at the end of the article.
Complete nutrition facts of Lotus Roots
Click on the link HERE to download high quality, high resolution and print ready PDF version of the Lotus Roots nutrition chart/infographic.
