Asian Lotus

The lotus has special significance for Buddhists. It is for them a symbol of purity, undefiled despite its muddy origin. The Buddha is often depicted holding a lotus flower, or seated upon one. It is said that he compared his fellow men to lotus buds in a lake—springing from mud and striving to reach the surface in order to blossom. The lotus also has mystical significance for many non-Buddhists.

The root, properly described as a subaqueous rhizome (swollen stem), resembles huge sausage links, a large string of which may easily measure more than a metre (say, 4'). The ‘links’ are reddish-brown, and have internal tunnels, as shown in the drawing. They are sliced to provide the ingredient of crisp texture and lacy pattern which is familiar in Chinese stir-fry dishes. The Chinese also candy the slices, for use on special occasions.