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Lotus seed paste
Lotus seed paste
from Wikipedia
Lotus seed paste
Mooncake with salted duck egg yolks and lotus seed paste filling.
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Literal meaninglotus velvet
IPA[ljɛ̌n ɻʊ̌ŋ]
Yale Romanizationlìhn yùhng
Jyutpinglin4 jung4
IPA[lin˩ jʊŋ˩]

Lotus seed paste is a Chinese dessert ingredient made from dried lotus seeds. It is traditionally considered a luxurious ingredient.

Production

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The process for making the paste is similar to that of smooth red bean paste. First, the dried seeds are stewed in water until soft prior to being mashed into a fine paste. The paste is then watered down to a thin slurry and passed through a sieve and into cheesecloth, with which it is squeezed dry. This produces a fine crumbly paste, which is then mixed with sugar or other sweeteners and, often, oil to produce a smooth, sweet paste.[citation needed]

Use

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China

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The lotus paste used by most Chinese cooks requires further preparation by dry cooking the sweetened paste over heat with caramelized sugar and vegetable oil. This produces a lotus paste that is tan in colour with a satiny sheen. It is also rich, sweet, silky with a slight fragrance of caramel. Some cooks choose to treat the dried lotus seeds with a lye solution before initially stewing them in order to shorten their cooking time.[1]

Lotus paste is used in Chinese cuisine as a filling for mooncake, baozi, and other sweet pastries. Another common use of lotus paste is as a filling for lotus seed buns, a dim sum item.[citation needed]

Due to the high price of lotus seeds, commercially prepared lotus pastes may also contain white kidney bean paste as its filler. There are several variations, some of which are darker, close to black in color. These usually have a deeper taste.[citation needed]

References

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See also

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Lotus seed paste, known as lian rong in Chinese, is a smooth, sweet filling traditionally made by rehydrating, cooking, and pureeing dried seeds of the lotus plant (), then sweetening with sugar or and sometimes adding a pinch of salt. Originating from ancient Asian culinary traditions, particularly in where the lotus has been cultivated for over 3,000 years, lotus seed paste has long been prized as a luxurious ingredient symbolizing purity and prosperity in Buddhist and Hindu cultures. It is a staple in festive desserts, most notably as the filling for mooncakes during the , as well as in steamed buns (), pastries, and soups, where it provides a creamy texture and mild nutty flavor. Nutritionally, the base lotus seeds are rich in carbohydrates (62–68% per 100g), protein (15–21% per 100g), and essential minerals like potassium (1,368 mg per 100g), phosphorus (626 mg per 100g), and magnesium (210 mg per 100g), while also containing bioactive compounds such as alkaloids and flavonoids that offer antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. In traditional Chinese medicine, lotus seeds are valued for their astringent properties, supporting spleen, kidney, and heart functions to alleviate issues like diarrhea, insomnia, and restlessness. It is incorporated into modern functional foods and snacks.

Background

Etymology and nomenclature

Lotus seed paste, known in Chinese as lián róng (simplified: 莲蓉; traditional: 蓮蓉), is derived from the term combining lián (莲/蓮), meaning lotus, and róng (蓉), which refers to food minced, shredded, or ground into a paste suitable for stuffing or sauces, emphasizing the ingredient's smooth, creamy consistency. The name highlights the paste's velvety texture, akin to a soft filling prepared from ground lotus seeds. In regional contexts, it is referred to as nhân hạt sen in Vietnamese, literally "lotus seed filling," commonly used in traditional sweets like mooncakes. The etymological roots of lián róng draw from the lotus flower's deep cultural symbolism in , where the lotus represents purity, spiritual enlightenment, and rebirth, rising pristine from to embody transcendence and in Buddhist traditions. This symbolism aligns with the paste's refined, smooth quality, transforming humble into a luxurious ingredient.

Historical development

The use of lotus seeds in Chinese culinary and medicinal practices traces back to the period, with archaeobotanical evidence from the site in the basin of (ca. 7000–5500 BCE) revealing carbonized lotus rhizomes and seeds employed as a supplementary starchy food by early farmers. During the (1046–256 BCE), lotus seeds continued to appear in elite contexts, such as in noble tombs from the (475–221 BCE), where they served as luxury foodstuffs alongside ritual items, indicating their valued status beyond basic sustenance. Initially incorporated into medicinal tonics for their purported benefits in treating ailments like and digestive issues, as noted in early texts like Shennong’s Classic of Materia Medica (traditionally attributed to ancient times but compiled during the Eastern , ca. 25–220 CE), lotus seeds gradually transitioned into broader dietary applications. By the (618–907 CE), lotus seeds had evolved into components of refined desserts among the elite, with charred nuts found in high-status tombs, indicating their use as luxury foodstuffs in ceremonial contexts. During the (960–1279 CE), mooncakes and pastries with sweet fillings, including early forms of lotus seed preparations, became popular among the elite as symbols of prosperity and harmony. This period marked a shift toward lotus seed paste as a luxurious ingredient, prized for its smooth texture and subtle nutty flavor, often referenced in classical culinary literature as an essential element in festival confections. In the , lotus seed paste underwent significant , particularly as a core filling for mass-produced mooncakes during the , transforming it from a courtly into a widely accessible treat across . Following the establishment of the in 1949, its popularity spread globally through Chinese diaspora communities, integrating into overseas celebrations of and .

Production

Sourcing and preparation of ingredients

The primary ingredient for lotus seed paste is dried lotus seeds derived from the seed pods of , a cultivated primarily in environments. These seeds are sourced mainly from , which is the world's largest producer, yielding approximately 200,000 tons of dry seeds annually as of 2023 from cultivation areas spanning around 0.5–0.7 million hectares, with key provinces including , , and . Recent advancements, such as space-bred lotus varieties, have contributed to higher yields in regions like Province. and also serve as significant producers, with exporting substantial volumes and cultivating varieties suited to diverse altitudes for both culinary and medicinal uses. Preparation begins with harvesting mature seeds from pods during the summer season, when they reach peak nutritional content and firmness. The green embryos, or germ, within the seeds must be carefully removed to eliminate inherent bitterness caused by alkaloids such as liensinine, isoliensinine, and neferine, which are concentrated in this part and valued separately for their and cardiovascular properties in . Following removal, the seeds are dried and then rehydrated by soaking in water for 4–8 hours, which softens the hard outer coat and facilitates further processing without compromising texture. Quality is influenced by farming practices, with organic cultivation avoiding synthetic pesticides to preserve natural bioactive compounds, though conventional methods dominate due to higher yields in major producing regions. Seasonal summer harvests ensure optimal and protein levels, but post-harvest storage is critical; dried seeds should be kept in cool (below 25°C), dry (relative humidity under 60%), and ventilated conditions to prevent mold growth and maintain viability for up to several years.

Traditional and modern methods

The traditional method of preparing lotus seed paste begins with rehydrated lotus seeds that have been soaked overnight and had their bitter green cores removed. These seeds are then stewed in water for 1 to 2 hours until they become soft and tender, a process that allows the starches to break down naturally. The softened seeds are blended into a coarse puree and passed through a fine to achieve a smooth consistency, removing any fibrous remnants. Next, the puree is cooked over low heat with sugar in an approximate 1:1 ratio by weight relative to the cooked seeds, along with oil such as vegetable or at 20 to 30% of the total mixture's weight; this is stirred continuously for 30 to 60 minutes until the mixture caramelizes, thickens, and becomes cohesive. Optionally, a small amount of water (kansui), an alkaline solution, can be added during cooking to accelerate softening and reduce the total cooking time by about 50%. In contrast, modern industrial production employs mechanized processes for greater efficiency and consistency. Rehydrated seeds undergo high-pressure or autoclaving to soften them rapidly, often in under an hour, minimizing energy use compared to traditional . Mechanical grinding mills and extrusion equipment then process the softened seeds into a fine puree, followed by automated mixing with and oils in precise ratios using industrial kettles or continuous fryers. To extend to up to one year, preservatives such as are incorporated during formulation, alongside stabilizers for uniform texture. Large-scale factories, such as those operated by brands like Kee Wah Bakery, utilize fully automated lines to produce thousands of kilograms daily during peak seasons like the . The final paste, whether traditionally or industrially made, exhibits a smooth, cohesive texture that holds its shape when scooped and develops a characteristic tan color from the of sugars during cooking. In homemade preparations, approximately 200 grams of dried lotus seeds yield about 1 of finished paste, accounting for water absorption, added sugar, and .

Varieties

Sweet varieties

The classic sweet lotus seed paste features a pure, subtly nutty lotus flavor enhanced by notes derived from the cooking process involving and oil, resulting in a rich, silky texture. The level is adjustable during preparation, typically ranging from 40% to 80% by weight relative to the lotus seeds, allowing for variations from mildly sweet to more indulgent profiles. This form serves as the foundational filling for the majority of traditional Chinese desserts, such as mooncakes and steamed buns. Enhanced sweet varieties incorporate additional aromatics to complement the base lotus profile. Pandan-infused lotus paste adds a natural, fragrant green aroma from pandan leaves, maintaining a smooth texture while preserving the authentic lotus ; it is low in sugar and free of preservatives, often used in modern mooncakes and pastries. -infused versions introduce a floral, subtly sweet note from osmanthus flowers, blended with lotus seeds for a delicate, aromatic filling suitable for specialty desserts like lotus root paste hybrids. White lotus seed paste represents a refined with minimal during cooking, yielding a lighter color, milder sweetness, and more delicate, floral taste compared to the standard golden variety. It is produced from whole, peeled lotus seeds and , avoiding the halved seeds and deeper browning of regular paste, which contributes to its premium appeal in upscale mooncakes. This version is less cloyingly sweet and healthier, often preferred for its wholesome profile without excessive additives. Commercially, sweet lotus seed pastes are available from brands such as Kee Wah Bakery and Wing Wah, offered in shelf-stable cans or bags typically measuring 14 to 16 ounces. These products generally provide 300 to 400 kcal per 100 grams, reflecting the high sugar and oil content. Prices range from $5 to $10 per jar, influenced by the cost of dried lotus seeds at approximately $10 to $20 per kilogram.

Savory and specialty variations

While lotus seed paste is predominantly sweet, savory variations incorporate added salt or umami-enhancing elements like salted egg yolks to create hybrid fillings suitable for items such as steamed buns. These adaptations introduce a salty contrast to the nutty base, with recipes often using approximately 35 to 50 grams of yolk per 100 grams of paste for balanced richness. Specialty hybrids blend lotus seed paste with complementary ingredients for unique textures and flavors. In snow skin mooncakes, the glutinous rice-based outer layer is enhanced with to achieve a chewy, translucent consistency, while the interior filling remains traditional lotus seed paste. Salted egg yolk lotus paste is a popular hybrid, where the yolk's creamy, savory profile elevates the paste's mild sweetness, commonly featured in baked mooncakes and pastries. Modern innovations cater to dietary preferences and health trends. Vegan adaptations replace animal fats like with plant-based oils, such as or , maintaining the paste's smooth texture without compromising flavor. Low-sugar versions, emerging prominently after 2015 amid rising demand for healthier confections, use natural sweeteners like , , and to reduce calorie content while preserving taste in mooncakes and buns.

Culinary uses

In Chinese cuisine

In Chinese cuisine, lotus seed paste is a staple filling for mooncakes, the iconic pastries central to the , where it embodies themes of family reunion and completeness as families gather under the full moon. Each traditional Cantonese-style mooncake typically incorporates 30 to 50 grams of the smooth, subtly sweet paste, often paired with salted egg yolks to balance flavors and evoke the moon's glow—a combination popularized in during the late around 1889. Demand for lotus-filled varieties surges in September as the festival approaches. Beyond mooncakes, lotus seed paste fills tangyuan, chewy balls prepared for the on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, symbolizing harmony and the start of spring. These dumplings highlight the paste's creamy texture when encased in the translucent rice dough and simmered in a light ginger syrup, offering a comforting that reinforces familial bonds during the holiday's lantern-lit celebrations. In and pastries, lotus seed paste has played a key role in since the , when it elevated steamed (sweet buns) to a popular item known for its fluffy exterior and nutty-sweet core. It also features in layered wife cakes (lao po bing), where variations of the paste provide a luxurious contrast to the flaky, sesame-topped pastry, and in sweet dumplings like lye zhongzi, blending tradition with subtle indulgence.

In other Asian cuisines

In , lotus seed paste serves as a primary filling for bánh trung thu, the traditional mooncakes enjoyed during the , offering a smooth, nutty sweetness that complements the pastry's dense texture. It is also incorporated into chè hạt sen, a refreshing sweet typically prepared with whole lotus seeds simmered in sweetened or longan syrup. To enhance affordability, the paste is frequently blended with paste in bánh trung thu fillings, balancing cost while maintaining a luxurious flavor profile popular during festive seasons. Influences from lotus seed paste extend to Japanese and Korean cuisines through imported preparations that have been localized for milder palates. In Japan, it appears in such as matcha-infused , where the paste's subtle nuttiness pairs with for a post-2000s fusion trend emphasizing less intense sweetness than traditional Chinese uses. Korean adaptations include fillings for rice cakes during , incorporating or for a chewy, half-moon-shaped treat that highlights seasonal harvest themes with a toned-down content. In , lotus seed paste (known as makhana paste) is used in desserts like or , often during festivals, symbolizing purity in Hindu traditions. Among Southeast Asian communities, lotus seed paste features in Singaporean and Malaysian Nyonya kueh, where it forms the base for layered steamed cakes infused with pandan or gula melaka, and in Filipino hopia pastries, which encase the paste in flaky dough for a portable . These preparations often fuse the paste with tropical fruits like or , creating innovative fillings that blend Chinese heritage with local flavors in baked goods sold at Asian supermarkets. In the U.S., such diaspora-driven demand has fueled market growth for lotus seed products, rising at a of 6.2% from 2024 to 2033, reflecting increased availability and cultural integration.

Nutritional aspects

Composition and health benefits

Lotus seed paste, made primarily from ground lotus seeds (Nelumbo nucifera) combined with sugar and occasionally oil, features a macronutrient composition high in carbohydrates. Per 100 grams, it generally contains approximately 350–370 kilocalories, 60 grams of carbohydrates (predominantly sugars from added sweeteners), 5–7 grams of protein, 1–10 grams of fat (varying by added oils), and 1–2 grams of dietary fiber derived from the seed husks. In terms of micronutrients, the paste retains key elements from the lotus seeds, including about 200 mg of , around 50 mg of magnesium, and notable amounts of vitamin B1 (). It also harbors bioactive compounds such as and alkaloids like neferine, which contribute and effects. The fiber content supports digestive health by promoting bowel regularity and fostering beneficial gut microbiota. The base lotus seeds have a low glycemic index of around 45, but added sugars in the paste may increase the overall glycemic response. In traditional Chinese medicine, lotus seed preparations are valued for calming the nerves and enhancing sleep quality due to their nourishing effects on the heart and spirit. Research underscores the anti-oxidative properties of lotus seed components, which help mitigate and reduce levels; a 2018 study in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry demonstrated that proanthocyanidins from lotus seed epicarp exhibit strong activity and anti-obesity effects . Additional studies show that lotus seed extracts improve profiles by lowering total and in animal models. Recent research as of 2025 highlights antihypertensive effects from lotus seed extracts, reducing and improving status in models, as well as potential benefits for and . Low-sugar varieties of the paste may offer reduced loads while preserving these core benefits.

Dietary considerations

Lotus seed paste may pose a of rare allergic reactions, particularly in individuals sensitive to seed proteins, manifesting as rashes, itching, or digestive discomfort, though lotus proteins are generally free of common allergens like those in nuts or . Due to its high content, often comprising around 34% of the product by weight with approximately 4 teaspoons of per typical serving, lotus seed paste should be consumed in moderation by people with , with recommendations limiting intake to less than 50 grams per serving to manage blood sugar levels. As a plant-based derived from lotus seeds, sugar, and often vegetable oil, lotus seed paste is naturally gluten-free and suitable for vegan diets when prepared without animal-derived fats like , which some traditional recipes may include. Commercially available versions are often certified kosher or , ensuring compliance with religious dietary laws through the use of approved ingredients and processing methods. Its relatively low fat profile, with minimal saturated fats and , makes it a favorable option for when used in moderation as part of a balanced diet. For safety and optimal quality, homemade lotus seed paste should be stored in an airtight in the , where it remains fresh for up to 2 weeks, or frozen for 2-3 months, after which it can be thawed in the . Commercial vacuum-sealed lotus seed paste typically has a longer of up to 12 months when kept in a cool, dry place, but once opened, it requires similar to homemade versions. Improper removal of the embryonic core from lotus seeds during preparation can impart a bitter and, due to alkaloids, pose risks such as or irregular heartbeats; complete removal is recommended for and .

References

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