Premium Vietnamese Lotus Rootlet – The Crisp, Refreshing Aquatic Delicacy

1. Introduction to Lotus Rootlets

Lotus Rootlets, or Ngó Sen, are the young, tender stems of the lotus plant (Nelumbo nucifera). While the world is familiar with the mature, starchy lotus root, the rootlet is a seasonal delicacy prized for its slender shape, ivory-white color, and an incredibly crisp, snappy texture. In Vietnam, they are harvested by hand from the clean, freshwater ponds of the Mekong Delta.

At Vinahugo, we specialize in supplying high-quality lotus rootlets. We focus on rapid processing and specialized preservation to ensure the rootlets maintain their signature “crunch” and pristine white appearance for global culinary markets.

2. Product Varieties

• Fresh Lotus Rootlets: Harvested daily and kept in cold storage; the gold standard for local and regional markets.

• Brined/Pickled Lotus Rootlets: Preserved in a light salt and acid solution (vinegar or citric acid). This is the most common export format, offering a long shelf life while maintaining texture.

• Frozen Lotus Rootlets (IQF): Cleaned, cut, and blanched before being quick-frozen to preserve cellular integrity.

• Lotus Rootlet Salad Mix: Pre-cut and processed, specifically designed for industrial food services and ready-to-eat meal kits.

3. Technical Specifications

• Product Name: Lotus Rootlet / Lotus Stem / Ngó Sen

• Scientific Name: Nelumbo nucifera

• Appearance: Long, slender, tube-like stems; bright ivory-white color; firm and brittle texture.

• Size Grading: 15cm – 25cm (Length) | 0.5cm – 1.2cm (Diameter).

• pH (for brined): $3.5-4.5$

• Moisture Content: High (fresh state).

• Storage: * Fresh: 2∘C−5∘C (Shelf life: 3–5 days).

  • Brined/Jarred: Cool, dry place (Shelf life: 12–24 months).

  • Frozen: −18∘C (Shelf life: 24 months).

• Certification: HACCP, ISO 22000, VietGAP, Phytosanitary Certificate.

4. Key Features & Health Benefits

• High in Dietary Fiber: Supports digestive health and promotes a feeling of fullness, making it excellent for weight management.

• Rich in Vitamin C: A powerful antioxidant that supports immune function and promotes radiant skin.

• Low Calorie Density: A perfect “light” ingredient for healthy, low-calorie diets.

• Natural Cooling Property: In traditional Eastern wellness, lotus rootlets are believed to have a “cooling” effect on the body, helping to reduce internal heat.

• Mineral Source: Contains essential minerals like Iron and Magnesium, which support blood health and energy levels.

5. Versatile Applications

• Gourmet Salads: The star ingredient of the famous Vietnamese “Gỏi Ngó Sen,” where it is paired with shrimp, pork, and aromatic herbs.

• Pickles & Appetizers: Served as a crunchy, tangy side dish in Asian cuisine to balance oily or spicy foods.

• Stir-Fries: Briefly sautéed with seafood or beef to maintain its crispness while absorbing savory sauces.

• Hot Pots & Soups: Added at the final stage of cooking to provide a textural contrast in broths.

• Vegetarian Cuisine: A highly sought-after plant-based ingredient due to its unique structural snap.

6. Packaging & OEM Services

• Bulk Export (Brined): 10kg, 20kg, or 150kg plastic drums for industrial use.

• Retail Ready: 300g, 500g, or 900g glass jars or vacuum-sealed bags in brine.

• Frozen Bulk: 10kg master cartons with internal PE lining.

• OEM Customization: Custom brine recipes (sweet/sour/spicy) and private label branding for international retail chains.

7. Export Policy & Logistics

• MOQ: 500kg (Air Freight/Fresh) | 1 Full Container Load (Sea Freight/Brined or Frozen).

• Lead Time: 10 – 15 business days from order confirmation.

• Anti-Oxidative Treatment: We use natural, food-grade acidulants (like lemon juice or citric acid) to prevent the rootlets from turning brown, ensuring they stay white and appetizing.

• Documentation: COA, Certificate of Origin (CO), Phytosanitary Certificate, Health Certificate.

8. Why Choose Vinahugo?

• Mekong Delta Sourcing: We harvest from managed lotus ponds in the Mekong Delta, ensuring a clean environment and consistent supply.

• Manual Harvesting Expertise: Our rootlets are hand-picked with care to avoid bruising the delicate stems, which can cause discoloration.

• Premium Color Retention: Our proprietary cleaning process ensures the rootlets stay a brilliant white without the use of harsh chemical bleaches.

• Strict Sorting: We remove any fibrous or “woody” stems, delivering only the most tender and crunchy rootlets to our clients.

9. Contact Information

VINAHUGO CO., LTD

📞 Phone: +84 909 735 434 (WeChat – WhatsApp)

📧 Email: info@vinahugo.com | vinahugo.info@gmail.com

🌐 Website: vinahugo.com

💬 WhatsApp: Click to chat directly