Red Lotus Seeds Hong Lian Zi 500g Dried Core-Removed Xiangtan Lotus Seeds for Soup Congee and Tea

Red Lotus Seeds, known in TCM as Hong Lian Zi (红莲子), are the dried ripe seeds of Nelumbo nucifera, sold as whole cored kernels. Sourced from Xiangtan in Hunan, a region traditionally prized for lotus seeds, these round reddish-brown seeds are sun-dried with the bitter green germ removed. In TCM they are traditionally associated with the spleen, heart, and kidney channels and a sweet astringent nature. A versatile pantry staple for soups, congee, and herbal teas.

Key Selling Points

• Dried red lotus seeds with the bitter core removed for convenient cooking
• Botanical source Nelumbo nucifera, known in TCM as Hong Lian Zi 红莲子
• Sourced from Xiangtan, Hunan, a region traditionally renowned for lotus seeds
• Sun-dried whole round kernels with a natural reddish-brown color
• Suitable for soups, congee, desserts, and herbal tea blends

Quality & Sensory

Typically firm and dense with a matte reddish-brown skin and pale starchy interior. The aroma is mild and faintly nutty, and when simmered the seeds turn soft and mealy with a gentle sweet, slightly starchy taste.

Technical Specifications

Usage Scenarios

• Simmer into lotus seed soups with rock sugar or red dates
• Add to rice congee and eight-treasure porridge
• Steep in herbal tea blends or dessert soups
• Use in traditional Chinese desserts and sweet soups

Traditional Uses

In TCM, lotus seeds are traditionally used in nourishing soups and congee, often paired with red dates, longan, lily bulb, or Chinese yam. They are a common ingredient in seasonal tonics such as four-herb and eight-treasure preparations and are traditionally associated with supporting calm and digestion in daily diet.

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