Stir-fried shredded lotus root with leek [Photo/WeChat account: hafbwx]

Lotus roots are widely consumed in regions with rivers and lakes, like Hai'an, a county-level city in Nantong.

There are various ways to eat the vegetable. The most convenient is to eat it raw to enjoy the crispy, fresh and sweet taste, locals say.

Stir-fried shredded lotus root with leek is one of the most popular dishes in Hai'an. First, fry shredded lotus root in hot oil until medium done and put it aside. Then fry the leek until medium done and put the lotus root back into the pan. Finally, add some salt and gourmet powder and dish up.

Cold lotus slices dressed with sauce is another traditional dish. First, cook sliced lotus root in boiled water for one minute. Then cool it in icy water and drain it. Add some sugar and vinegar, and mix thoroughly.

Stir-fried lotus root with sliced pork [Photo/WeChat account: hafbwx]

Lotus root box is an interesting dish. First, place meat paste in the middle of two lotus root slices. Second, coat the slices with flour paste. Third, fry the coated sliced in hot oil until the coating turns golden.

In Hai'an, lotus roots can not only be made into delicacies, but can also serve as sacrifice, along with moon cakes and fruit, for the moon during the Mid-autumn Festival. 

Sons-in-law, when sending gifts to their parents-in-law on the festival, must also bring lotus roots tied with red rope, which symbolize everlasting love and happiness.

Lotus root box [Photo/WeChat account: hafbwx]

Sweet lotus roots with glutinous rice and osmanthus flowers [Photo/WeChat account: hafbwx]