It can be eaten, but the taste is not good; it is best to peel the red lotus seeds before use, because after the plant's fruits mature in autumn, people will directly cut its lotus cells and then take out the inside directly. fruit; after removing the peel of the fruit, there is a red film on the surface of the lotus seeds;
After drying, it is the red-skinned lotus seeds that people see. The red color on the surface has a bitter taste and is not suitable for eating. Better to remove it all in the future. You can peel the red lotus seeds by hand and soak them in clean water. After they absorb water and swell, the red skin on the surface will loosen. At this time, you can just peel it off with your hands.
Extended information:
Differences from white lotus seeds:
From a medicinal point of view, lotus seeds have the functions of nourishing qi, nourishing the heart and kidneys, calming and calming the mind , strengthen the spleen and nourish the stomach, etc. Red lotus seeds are more used to nourish blood and nourish the skin, while white lotus seeds are slightly better at nourishing qi. In terms of taste, white lotus seeds are soft and waxy after being boiled, and are fragrant and delicious, while red lotus seeds are not easy to cook and have a meaty texture. Harder and slightly astringent.
Lotus seeds are the seeds of lotus, a plant in the family Lotus. When the fruits mature in autumn, the lotus chambers are cut, the fruits are taken out, and the peels are removed. After drying, they become red lotus seeds. After the red lotus seeds are processed and peeled, they become white lotus seeds. . In terms of nutritional content, red and white lotus seeds are almost the same. They are both rich in protein, carbohydrates, calcium, phosphorus, iron and various vitamins and other nutrients needed by the human body. They are foods suitable for both young and old.
Baidu Encyclopedia--Red Lotus Seeds