1. Lotus Heart
Lotus Heart, also known as Lotus germ or Liên tử nhục, is the sprout inside the Lotus seed. It is green in color, has a slightly bitter taste with a sweet aftertaste, and is considered to have warming properties. It is highly effective in calming the heart, nourishing the kidneys, and strengthening the spleen. Lotus Heart is valued for its medicinal properties, promoting better sleep, reducing fever, relieving stress, regulating heart rhythm, and balancing blood pressure.
Lotus Heart is commonly used in the preparation of Lotus heart tea and a variety of delicious dishes, such as Lotus heart porridge, which is known to improve health, combat fatigue, alleviate headaches, reduce red eyes, control high blood pressure, and relieve constipation. People who dislike the bitter taste of Lotus Heart may miss out on many of its valuable health benefits.


2. Lotus Flower
Lotus Flower is regarded as the symbol of Vietnam’s national flower. The Lotus Flower is elegant, with a gentle and sweet fragrance that brings a sense of tranquility, calm, and mindfulness. The Lotus is celebrated for its purity, wisdom, and nobility, embodying the saying 'though it grows in the mud, it is free of any foul odor.'
Lotus Flower is highly revered during full moon days, Buddha worship, and temple offerings because people believe in the purity and divine qualities of this flower. Recently, Lotus flowers have been artificially bred to produce blooms in a variety of colors, such as pink, white, and purple. In particular, Lotus flowers are now popular as decorative plants, serving as elegant focal points in home decoration.


3. Lotus Leaf Tea
In addition to its use in wrapping sticky rice and steamed seafood, the Lotus leaf is also the key ingredient in Lotus Leaf Tea. Lotus Leaf Tea is known for its antioxidant properties, which help protect the liver cells from oxidation, prevent arteriosclerosis, regulate heart rhythms, promote relaxation, improve sleep quality, and reduce risks of high cholesterol, fatty liver, and obesity.
To make Lotus Leaf Tea, fresh young Lotus leaves with a lighter color are preferred. The preparation process involves finely cutting the leaves and then drying them completely, preserving the distinct aroma of the Lotus. There are currently two popular types of Lotus Leaf Tea available: dried whole-leaf Lotus tea and pre-packaged Lotus tea bags, ideal for office workers or those with limited free time.


4. Lotus Heart Tea
Lotus Heart Tea is a popular herbal tea known for its effective medicinal properties. It is widely used to treat conditions such as headaches, dizziness, palpitations, nervous tension, irregular heartbeats, and insomnia, promoting relaxation.
In addition, Lotus Heart Tea is beneficial for individuals with low blood pressure, helps prevent cardiovascular disorders, inhibits platelet aggregation, and is also recognized as an effective remedy for coronary artery disease. Currently, there are two types of Lotus Heart Tea available in the market: pure dried Lotus heart tea and Lotus heart tea bags.


5. Lotus Root Tea
Lotus Root is not only used in delicious, nutritious dishes but also serves as the main ingredient in a very beneficial herbal tea. Lotus Root Tea is known for its cooling properties, aiding in lung health, promoting relaxation, and supporting deep sleep. It is also effective in treating common ailments such as coughs, colds, bronchitis, asthma, tuberculosis, and lung tumors.
Lotus Root Tea is made from mature Lotus roots, sliced and then roasted to a golden color. There are two main forms of Lotus Root Tea available on the market: dried Lotus root tea and Lotus root tea bags.


6. Lotus Wine
In the Thap Muoi region of Dong Thap, there is a special local delicacy known as Lotus Wine. This wine, also referred to as Hong Sen liquor, is a refined and familiar drink, often enjoyed during gatherings with family and friends.
In addition to being a popular drink at celebrations, Lotus Wine is also valued for its medicinal properties, helping to enhance health, reduce stress, relieve fatigue, promote relaxation, and improve appetite. The wine has a delicate fragrance, with the signature scent of lotus, and a smooth, mild flavor that leaves a subtle sweet aftertaste.
Crafted with great care using traditional methods, Lotus Wine is made primarily from lotus seeds, hearts, or roots. The process begins with harvesting the lotus, cleaning it, and then fermenting it with special yeast made from lotus seeds. The mixture ferments for seven days and nights before being boiled, bottled, labeled, and quality-tested to create this unique and enticing specialty liquor.


7. Lotus Seeds
Lotus Seeds are the most refined essence of the lotus plant, nestled within large lotus pods. Fresh lotus seeds have a green outer shell, which turns black once dried. Removing the outer shell reveals a white, opaque interior with a rich, sweet, and creamy flavor. These seeds are packed with nutrients such as starch, sugar, protein, calcium, phosphorus, and iron.
Lotus Seeds are known for their health benefits, including nourishing the heart, strengthening the kidneys, enhancing the spleen, reducing stress, relieving tension, promoting calmness, and helping with insomnia, forgetfulness, and malnutrition. Lotus seeds are a versatile ingredient used in many delicious and nutritious dishes like lotus seed dessert, chicken congee with lotus seeds, lotus seed soup, and beef congee with lotus seeds.
One of the most famous areas for growing lotus plants is Thap Muoi in Dong Thap, where the lotus seeds are renowned for their consistent size, firmness, and quality. These seeds are free from preservatives and are available in two main varieties: fresh and dried lotus seeds.


8. Lotus Root
Lotus Root is a wonderful ingredient for many delicious dishes. It is known for its cooling properties, helping to clear heat from the blood and liver, regulate the body's meridians, and promote healthy blood circulation. Additionally, lotus root enhances stomach function, ensures restful sleep, and provides a sense of calm. Often regarded as a precious, health-boosting root, lotus root is considered a valuable alternative to ginseng.
There are two main types of lotus root products available on the market: whole lotus roots and sliced lotus roots. Lotus root is a key ingredient in many popular and tasty dishes such as lotus root salad with chicken feet, lotus root soup with pork knuckles, and lotus root kimchi.


9. Lotus Leaves
Lotus leaves, though they may seem simple and purely ornamental in a lotus pond, actually possess great medicinal value. Also known as Ha Diep, lotus leaves are a highly valuable natural remedy.
Lotus leaves are renowned for their calming effects, aiding in sleep, relieving smooth muscle spasms, preventing shock reactions, regulating heart rhythms, reducing weight, lowering cholesterol, and stabilizing blood pressure.
In addition to their therapeutic benefits, lotus leaves are a crucial ingredient in various delicious dishes, often used to wrap foods such as lotus leaf rice, lotus leaf sticky rice, and lotus leaf-wrapped spring rolls.


