Lotus flower

Nelumbo nucifera

flower

Fragrant petals and stamens of the sacred lotus, the great pink flower of Asian religions; infused or as a garnish.

Origin

East and South Asia

Season (United States)

June to September

Preparation

The dried stamens and petals are infused for five minutes in barely simmering water; fresh, the petals are eaten raw as a garnish or used as a little cup for a bite.

Did you know?

Theophrastus already described it in the late 4th century BCE; its genus has only two species, the other being the American lotus, with yellow flowers.