Lotus root Coloring Pages

The holes are the secret! Crunchy, tasty, and lucky Lotus root

Lotus root grows beneath the flowers blooming on the waterLotus rootpart of the plant that grows under the mudUnderground stemEat the parts that have grown thickRoot vegetablesIs. When you slice it into rounds, you can seeLots of holesis famous for,Crispyor do things like,Sticky and chewyand make them feel stickyUnique textureis what makes it so special.

Kanji and the origin of the holes

Lotus root isAlthough it is written as "蓮根" (Lotus root), the part you eat is actually the underground stem, not the root!It is.

• Why Lotus root has holes: Because there is not much air in the mud where Lotus root grows, those holes areTaking in air from above the waterto send to the stems and other roots"Airways"serves as the.
• Lucky charm: In Japan, since long ago, lotus rootHolesWhen you look throughBecause people believed it means "you can see into the future," it is a lucky food that you always see in traditional New Year's food and at happy events.is said to be.

Season and taste

Lotus root is in stores all year round, but the taste changes depending on when it is harvested.

• New Lotus root：Summer to autumn (around June to October)is harvested inJuicy and tenderThis is a Lotus root.CrunchyIt has a nice crunchy texture, and it is great for salads and pickled dishes.
• Late autumn Lotus root：These Lotus root are harvested from fall through winter (around November to February) and then stored. They have less water, giving them a sticky texture and a sweet tastebecomes crunchy when cooked. It tastes delicious in stews and kinpira, and it can sometimes be sticky.

The main growing areas areIbaraki PrefectureYaTokushima Prefecture.

Rich nutrients and health benefits

Lotus root is full of healthy nutrients, and it is a functional vegetable that keeps your body strong and active.

• Vitamin C：1.2 times more than a mandarin orangeis said to contain a lot of vitamin C. Because the vitamin C in Lotus root is protected by starch,Even when you cook it, it doesn't break down easilyIt has great benefits that will make you happy! It helps keep your skin healthy and helps prevent colds.
• Dietary fiber:It has one of the highest amounts of dietary fiber among vegetables,InsolubleAndWater-solublecontains a good balance of these. They help make your poop smooth and keep your tummy healthy.
• Tannin: Appears when you cut a Lotus rootAshis a component of Lotus root. Tannin hasIt reduces inflammationhas benefits, and especiallyCoughs and sore throatsis said to be good for.
• Potassium: Inside the bodyFlushing out salt (sodium)is a mineral that helps your body and keeps your blood pressure at the right level.

How to Choose Colors: Express the "Natural Colors" Found in the Mud!

When you color Lotus root, make the skin color grown in the mud and the whiteness of the cut side look clear to make it look real.

• Skin Color: For the skin of Lotus root, mix and color with dark brown, earthy brown, or a slightly light ochre to make it a natural color. If it still has mud on it, try using a darkish gray too.
• Cut Side Color: Color the cut side with white or a light cream color. Leaving the paper white without coloring is a great idea, too!
• Bitterness Color: If it is before soaking in water to remove the bitterness, it is fun to show the color change with a very light gray or a slightly pinkish light brown!

How to Color: Express the Crunchy Feel!

Try coloring while thinking of the crunchy texture or the sticky feel of Lotus root!

• Showing the Holes: Color the inside of the holes on the cut side with dark gray or dark brown. This gives depth to the holes and makes them look 3D!
• Showing the Fibers: Move your colored pencil finely along the skin or surface with vertical lines. This shows the special fibers of Lotus root!
• Shine of Simmered Dishes: For simmered dishes or kinpira, the trick is to add the shine of the sauce! Leave a white part like reflected light or add thin lines inside the dark color to make the food look yummy!
• Stickiness: It is also fun to draw a few thin white lines from the sliced cut side to show the sticky strings pulling apart!

Tips to Enjoy Your Coloring Page!

• Express Yourself Freely!
  • Imagine and draw the scenery (like the sky or flowers) you can see through the holes of Lotus root! It shows the lucky meaning of "seeing into the future." Have fun and express yourself freely!
• Try Different Textures!
  • Imagine your favorite dishes, like crispy Lotus root chips or chewy simmered Lotus root! Draw a background to make your picture even more lively!