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The Ultimate Guide to Storing Fresh and Dried Lotus Seeds for Year-Round Enjoyment

Lotus seeds are nutritional powerhouses, offering a plethora of health benefits. But how do you ensure these delicate seeds retain their freshness and nutritional value over an extended period? Well, worry not! We've got you covered with our expert tips and tricks to prolong the lifespan of these delicious and wholesome treats.

Administrator

9 August, 2024

Lotus seeds have long been known as a superfood that aids in treating insomnia, physical weakness, nervous tension, and loss of appetite. In daily life, lotus seeds can be easily prepared into various delicious dishes.

When purchasing lotus seeds, you tend to buy them in bulk and may not know how to store them properly, which can lead to a decrease in their quality. So, let’s explore the methods for preserving fresh and dried lotus seeds so that they can be consumed throughout the year while remaining fresh and tasty!

1 How to Store Fresh Lotus Seeds

Refrigerate in the Chiller

Store fresh lotus seeds in the chiller compartment of the refrigerator

Place the fresh lotus seeds in airtight containers or bags and store them in the chiller compartment of your refrigerator. This method will keep the seeds fresh for up to one month.

Freeze in the Freezer

Store fresh lotus seeds in the freezer

First, peel and remove the lotus seed hearts, ensuring the seeds are completely dry.

Note: Do not wash the lotus seeds as this will introduce moisture and reduce their shelf life.

Next, divide the seeds into smaller portions and place them in airtight containers or freezer bags. Store them in the freezer; this method can preserve the seeds for 6-8 months.

Dehydrate or Sun-dry the Fresh Lotus Seeds

Dehydrate or sun-dry fresh lotus seeds

Similar to the previous method, start by peeling and removing the lotus seed hearts.

You can sun-dry the seeds under direct sunlight or use a fruit dehydrator to remove the moisture. Afterward, store the dried seeds in airtight containers for later use. This method can preserve the seeds for up to one year.

2 How to Store Dried Lotus Seeds

Essentially, dried lotus seeds have been dehydrated, so they have low moisture content and are less prone to mold. The primary goal of storing dried lotus seeds is to prevent them from reabsorbing moisture from the environment. You can use the following methods:

Store in Small Bags

Store dried lotus seeds in small bags

Divide the seeds into smaller portions and place them in ziplock bags. Keep the bags in a dry place, away from moisture, to prevent mold from forming.

Vacuum Seal

Vacuum sealing helps preserve dried lotus seeds

Place the seeds in bags and vacuum seal them to remove all the air. This method can preserve the seeds for several years.

However, even with proper storage, lotus seeds will eventually lose their sweetness, nuttiness, and aroma over time. Therefore, it is best to consume them as soon as possible.

3 How to Choose and Buy Delicious Lotus Seeds

Selecting Fresh and Tasty Lotus Seeds

Choose freshly harvested lotus seeds that are still moist

Look for lotus seeds that have just been harvested, as they will still be moist with glossy, dark green shells.

Opt for seeds with a white-yellow or dark yellow hue. These seeds are more mature and will have a higher concentration of sweetness and nuttiness.

Picking Delicious Dried Lotus Seeds

Choose dried lotus seeds with a whitish hue

Select seeds with a whitish hue, small in size, and uniform in appearance.

It is best to purchase freshly produced dried lotus seeds to ensure the highest level of sweetness and nuttiness.

When buying dried lotus seeds, opt for reputable producers or suppliers. Regions like Hue and Dong Thap are known for producing high-quality lotus seeds.

4 Quick and Easy Ways to Peel Lotus Seeds

Peeling Fresh Lotus Seeds

Method 1

For the outer shell, use a sharp knife to make a shallow cut at the tip of the seed. Following this initial cut, continue slicing through the shell in a spiral motion until it is completely removed.

Repeat the same process for the inner membrane, making a small cut at the tip and then peeling it away.

Method 2

Wash the fresh lotus seeds and place them in a pot of boiling water with a pinch of salt. Stir gently to ensure even cooking.

Once the shells start to shrink, turn off the heat and quickly transfer the seeds to a bowl of cold water. This process will make peeling the seeds much easier.

Quick and easy ways to peel lotus seeds

Peeling Dried Lotus Seeds

Using a sharp knife, cut off both ends of the dried lotus seed, carefully removing the hard, dark outer shell. The seed will now have a pinkish outer layer.

To remove this layer, soak the seeds in diluted alum water for 5-7 hours to soften them. Then, follow the same peeling process as for fresh lotus seeds.

5 How to Prepare Lotus Seeds for Cooking

Preparing Fresh Lotus Seeds

Step 1 Peel the Fresh Lotus Seeds

Peel the inner membrane of the lotus seeds

Step 2 Remove the Seed Hearts

Method 1: After peeling, cut the seed in half with a knife to expose the dark green heart. Gently use the knife to lift out the heart.

Remove the seed heart by halving the seed

Method 2: Cut off a small portion at one end of the seed. Then, break off the pointed end and use a toothpick to push through the cut end. This action will force the heart out along with the toothpick.

Using this method, you can remove the heart while keeping the seed intact.

Remove the seed heart using a toothpick

Preparing Dried Lotus Seeds

Dried lotus seeds are typically pre-prepared, but if you happen to buy unprocessed seeds, follow the steps below:

Preparing dried lotus seeds

Step 1 Remove the Shells from Dried Lotus Seeds

As the shells of dried lotus seeds are challenging to peel, consider the following techniques:

Soak the seeds in diluted water for about 10 minutes, gently stirring them. Once they soften and swell, remove them from the water, rinse, and let them air dry. You will then be able to peel them with ease.
Soak the seeds in warm water for 30-45 minutes until the shells soften, and then peel them like fresh seeds.
Alternatively, boil the seeds for 10-20 minutes or roast them for 5-10 minutes until the shells crack. Afterward, use a knife to remove the shells effortlessly.

Step 2 Remove the Seed Hearts

You can refer to the methods mentioned for fresh lotus seeds to remove the hearts from dried seeds.

6 Delicious Dishes Made with Lotus Seeds

Lotus seeds are highly nutritious and offer numerous health benefits. Here are some delicious and nutritious dishes you can make with lotus seeds:

Reference: How to Make

Lotus Seed and Chicken Soup

Lotus seed and chicken soup

This dish is ideal for nourishing the body, especially for those who are convalescing or suffering from weakness. The tender chicken meat, cooked with sweet lotus seeds, also helps restore one’s appetite.

Reference: How to Make Lotus Seed and Chicken Soup – A Simple and Nutritious Family Dish.

Pigeon Porridge with Lotus Seeds

Pigeon porridge with lotus seeds

Pigeon porridge with lotus seeds is a gentle and nourishing dish, perfect for boosting the family’s immune system.

Reference: How to Make Pigeon Porridge with Lotus Seeds – A Nourishing Dish for the Whole Family.

Oyster and Lotus Seed Porridge

Frequently asked questions

Fresh lotus seeds can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 weeks if placed in an airtight container and submerged in water, which needs to be changed daily.

Dried lotus seeds can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 6 months. For longer storage, keep them in the freezer, where they will last for up to a year.

Yes, lotus seeds can be eaten raw, but they are typically bitter and not very tasty. It is recommended to cook or roast them to improve their flavor and make them more palatable.

Lotus seeds are considered a healthy snack and are a good source of protein, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals. They are also believed to have medicinal properties, aiding in digestion and promoting a healthy heart and liver.

Fresh lotus seeds need to be peeled and the bitter embryo removed before consuming. They can then be cooked by boiling, steaming, or roasting. Boiling is the simplest method, taking around 20 minutes, while roasting gives them a nuttier flavor.