10 ways to store and preserve lotus roots
1.Bury and keep fresh.
Build a burial pit with bricks indoors, and then pile the lotus root and mud or sand in layers according to the ratio of 1 layer of lotus root to 1 layer of mud or sand, and finally seal it with mud or sand.
2.Water storage preservation.
First, choose a healthy lotus root, wash it and put it in a container, and add water to submerge the lotus root. Then change the water every 1-2 days, and rinse the surface of the lotus root with clean water each time you change the water. This method can maintain the freshness and quality of the lotus root, but it should be noted that the water temperature should be as low as possible when changing the water to avoid cold damage to the lotus root.
3.Wrap in plastic film to keep it fresh.
After the lotus root is cleaned, it is wrapped in plastic film to remove air and tightly sealed. Then store the wrapped lotus root in a cool and ventilated place. This method can maintain the freshness and quality of the lotus root, but it is important to make sure that the root is not damaged or pests and diseases before wrapping.
4.Cellar storage and preservation.
Choose a place with a leeward and sunny face, and dig a cellar 1-2 meters deep, 2-3 meters wide, and 5-6 meters long. The selected lotus roots are then placed in the cellar, stacked neatly and buried with wet soil. Place vents and thermometers at the mouth of the cellar to keep the temperature in the cellar between 5-10. This method can maintain the freshness and quality of the lotus root, but it should be noted that the cellar mouth should be regularly inspected and covered with straw mats to keep warm.
5.Sand storage preservation.
Choose a ventilated and dry place and dig a pit 1 meter deep, 1 meter wide and 2 meters long. Then spread a layer of moist sand at the bottom of the pit, arrange the lotus roots neatly and cover it with a layer of sand. Cover the sand repeatedly until the mouth of the pit is sealed. This method can maintain the freshness and quality of the lotus root, but it should be noted that the pit mouth should be regularly inspected and covered with a straw mat to keep warm.
6.Soak in salt water to keep fresh.
The selected lotus root is cleaned and soaked in 10% salt water, then sealed with plastic wrap and stored in a cool and ventilated place. This method inhibits bacterial reproduction and preserves the freshness and quality of the lotus root. However, it should be noted that the concentration of salt water should be properly controlled to avoid salty damage to the lotus root.
7.Grass ash preservation method.
Mix the plant ash and water in a ratio of 1:5 and stir evenly to filter out the plant ash water. Then soak the selected lotus root in plant ash water for 3-5 minutes and then take it out to dry. Finally, wrap the dried lotus root in plastic wrap and store it in a cool and ventilated place. This method can maintain the freshness and quality of the lotus root, and at the same time, the ash water can also play a role in sterilization. However, it should be noted that the concentration of ash water in plants and trees should be properly controlled to avoid harm to the lotus root.
8.Chemical preservation.
Using chemical agents such as benzoic acid, citric acid and other preservatives to soak lotus root can extend its shelf life. However, it should be noted that when using chemicals, the concentration on the instructions should be strictly followed to avoid harm to the lotus root.
9.Vacuum packaging preservation method.
The selected lotus root is cleaned, cut into chunks or slices, placed in a vacuum bag, and the air is extracted. Then store in a cool, ventilated place. This method preserves the freshness and quality of the lotus root while also preventing bacteria from multiplying. However, it should be noted that before vacuum packing, it is necessary to ensure that the lotus root is not damaged or pests and diseases.
10.Heat treatment preservation method.
Blanch the selected lotus roots in boiling water for 1-2 minutes, then rinse them with cold water and let them dry. Finally, wrap the dried lotus root in plastic wrap and store it in a cool and ventilated place. This method can destroy the microorganisms and bacteria on the surface of the lotus root and prolong its shelf life. However, it should be noted that the time and temperature should be mastered during heat treatment to avoid damage to the lotus root.