Eat this Word: Lotus Root

WHAT? Lies beneath lilies. Lotus (or water lily) flowers have been prized for their beauty for thousands of years, but below the water is another prize, the edible rhizomes, which are often mistakenly called roots. (Ginger is another type of rhizome.) Lotuses grow wild throughout mainland Asia and were introduced to Japan by China. Light in color, long, and cylindrical, when sliced the lotus root reveals a fibrous, tart flesh with a lovely lacy pattern of holes. Lotus is eaten throughout Asia. It can be blanched or steamed, served cold in salad or hot in soup, pickled, fried for tempura, stir-fried, or braised. WHERE? Shin Thompson's Beard House dinner WHEN? October 12, 2010 HOW? Crispy Suzuki with Grilled Haricot Vert Salad, Pickled Radishes, Genmaicha Vinaigrette, and Lotus Root