Plant atlas Short
Lotus Root: Lace Holes in Thai Soup
Lotus Root · รากบัว · Nelumbo nucifera
Lotus Root — รากบัว (raak-bua) — Nelumbo nucifera.
Lotus root — raak-bua. Slice the rhizome crosswise, and it opens into a ring of lace-like holes. Air channels running the length of that edible underground stem. One early mouse study of lotus root powder found lower allergic-inflammation markers in a nasal-allergy model. Nutrition of the rhizome: vitamin C, which the body uses to build collagen and support normal immune function; fiber, which adds crunch and can slow how fast sugar is absorbed during digestion; potassium, an electrolyte that supports normal muscle and nerve function and helps keep normal blood pressure; and copper, a trace mineral the body needs to put iron to work and keep normal energy metabolism running.
Those lace holes stay visible on the plate — here's how to cook lotus root two ways. Tom Jued Rak Bua simmers thick lotus root coins with pork ribs until tender, yielding a clear, savory broth eaten with rice. Tao Thueng serves candied lotus root and mixed grains in sweet longan syrup, spooned over crushed ice to beat the heat.
Beyond the rhizome, lotus seeds are eaten as a snack and the young leaves and stalks are cooked. To grow it at home, skip the wild pond and use a large sealed rubber stock tank.
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Tom Jued Rak Bua — ต้มจืดรากบัว (tom-jued-rak-bua)
Tao Thueng — เต้าทึง (tao-tueng)
Source: Kaneyasu M, Nagata M, Ikeda H, Ohnuki K (2019). Anti-allergic activity of lotus root powder in mice. Food Agric Immunol 30(1). DOI:10.1080/09540105.2019.1651255
Educational content, not medical advice! Consult your doctor before changing diet or medication.
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Food and nutrients
Rich in: vitamin C, fiber, potassium, copper
Research context
Lotus root powder reduced allergic-inflammation markers in a mouse nasal-allergy model — Food & Agricultural Immunology, 2019