Lotus Leaves

These large, fragrant leaves of the lotus plant are often used to wrap foods for steaming or other cooking processes and impart a faintly sweet taste to the foods they enclose. Once available only to restaurants, they can now be found in plastic packages in Chinese markets. They will keep in a cool, dry place for up to 1 year. Before using, soak them in warm water to cover until they are sufficiently pliable for wrapping.