Lotus seed paste

Lotus seed paste is a cherished ingredient in Chinese desserts, celebrated for its rich and luxurious quality. Prepared from dried lotus seeds, crafting this paste is a labor of love. Initially, the seeds are simmered until they become tender. Then, they are mashed into a fine paste and blended with sugar and oil to achieve a smooth, sweet consistency.

In Chinese cuisine, the paste undergoes additional preparation. It is dry-cooked with caramelized sugar and vegetable oil, resulting in a rich, sweet, and silky texture with a subtle hint of caramel. This makes it the perfect filling for a variety of treats, including mooncakes, baozi, sweet pastries, and lotus seed buns.

However, due to the high cost of lotus seeds, commercial versions of lotus paste often incorporate white kidney bean paste as a filler. This not only makes it more affordable but also introduces variations in taste and color.