Lotus Seed

Oval shaped seeds from the fruit pod of the lotus plant. The seeds, which are eaten fresh or dried, have a sweet, mild flavor and are eaten alone as a snack or are used in desserts, such as sweet fillings. Lotus seeds are available fresh or canned in Asian markets and are also referred to as hasu and renkon. For storage, keep the seeds in a tighly sealed jar for no longer than 25 to 30 days. Seeds stored for longer periods of time lose their flavor and become tougher in texture.