Eaten sliced. Has to boiled with vinegar to remove strong iron content.
The slices remind the Japanese of "the Buddhist Wheel of the Law." You can also look to the holes (the "gaps" between the "spokes") and say "saki ga mieru," i.e. "the future looks rosy" - a reason to eat renkon as auspicious food at New Year. Renkon is popularly associated with long life.
Eaten in winter and spring. Rich in vitamin C, dietary fiber, potassium, riboflavin, etc.
Uses:
- As tempura.
- Nimono (Simmered dishes). Simmered lotus root.
- Sumono (Vinegared dishes).
- Karashi-renkon. The holes are filled with karashi mustard.
- There are even karashi-renkon chips!
Photo own work.
Japanese Food Dictionary