1. Remove the core from the dried lotus seeds and soak them in water first. Use a knife or scissors to cut a circle across the middle of the lotus seed until clear knife marks appear on the lotus seed shell. Break open the shell and take out the whole lotus seed. Pass a toothpick through the middle of the lotus seed to bring out the heart of the lotus seed, and pull out the heart of the lotus seed with your hands.

2. To remove the core of fresh lotus seeds, you can directly break the lotus seeds open with your hands and take out the heart of the lotus seeds. You can also directly use a toothpick to push the lotus seed heart out from the bottom of the lotus seed. This can keep the appearance of the lotus seed intact.