Hey friends! So the other day, I was snacking on some crispy lotus root chips (so good, btw 🤤), and a friend asked me, "Wait… is this really the root of a lotus flower?"

That question totally caught me off guard, and I realized I didn't know the full story either. So I did some digging—literally and figuratively—and now I'm here to share what I found out with you! 🌸

Lotus root is not exactly the root 😅

Here's the fun part: what we call "lotus root" isn't the true root of the lotus plant. Shocking, right?

It's actually the rhizome—which is a type of underground stem. Unlike roots that mainly absorb water and nutrients, a rhizome stores energy and sends out shoots and leaves. That's why lotus root looks all chunky, has those cool holes inside, and can grow new lotus plants from itself. It's like the powerhouse of the lotus! 💪🌿

So what does the actual root do?

The real roots of the lotus plant are thin, hair-like strands that grow from the rhizome and anchor the plant into the mud underwater. They help absorb water and nutrients, but they're not the part we eat or cook. They're not juicy or crunchy like the rhizome—more like little helpers working quietly behind the scenes. 🫶

How I fell in love with lotus root

I first tried lotus root as a kid in a homemade soup my grandma used to make. It had red dates and peanuts, and the lotus root slices were soft and comforting. Later, I discovered fried lotus root tempura, lotus root stir-fry with black vinegar, and even lotus root stuffed with sticky rice and drizzled with syrup 😍

Every version has its own vibe. Whether it's crunchy or soft, sweet or savory—lotus root never disappoints. And now that I know it's a rhizome, not a root, I kind of love it even more for being a surprise ingredient!

It's more than just a pretty flower 🌸

The lotus is not only beautiful but also super clever in how it grows. From muddy water, it sends up stunning flowers—and under the surface, that chunky rhizome quietly does all the work to keep things going. Kind of inspiring, right?

Let's chat! 💬

Did you grow up eating lotus root too? Or was it something you only discovered later? And did you know it wasn't really a root? 😄 I'd love to hear how you like to eat it—soup, stir-fry, or maybe even crispy chips? Drop your stories or recipes below!

Thanks for hanging out with me here, and now you can impress your friends with your lotus knowledge next time it shows up on your plate. 😉