Vegetables
Lotus root
レンコン れんこん renkon
Also known asrenkon, hasu
At its best in Jan, Feb, Oct, Nov, Dec
When it is at its best
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
In seasonAvailable
How to cook
Kinpira (julienned and stir-fried)
Sliced thin and stir-fried.
Lotus root stuffed with minced meat and fried
Sandwiched with minced meat and fried.
Su-basu (vinegared lotus root)
Pickled in sweet vinegar.
Grated lotus root dumplings
Grated into dumplings with a chewy texture.
How to choose
Evenly sized holes and a white cut face. Heavy, with no blemishes.
Storage
Cover the cut face with film and refrigerate. It discolours in air; soaking in vinegared water keeps it white.
Main areas
Good to know
The tip end nearest the new shoot is tender, while the base end is stickier. Choose the part to suit the dish.
