【双语】你好！中国 | 清热去火，莲子莫属

莲子是睡莲科多年水生草本植物莲的成熟种子，多年生长在水中，我国大部分地区均有出产，而以湖南湘潭、浙江宣平（现为柳城镇）、福建建宁产者最佳，传统称为中国三大名莲，古时均为贡品。

Lotus seeds come from the mature fruit of the lotus, a perennial aquatic plant in the Nymphaeaceae family. Grown in water for generations, lotus plants are cultivated throughout China, with the finest varieties traditionally found in Xiangtan (Hunan), Xuanping (Zhejiang, now known as Liucheng Town), and Jianning (Fujian). These regions are celebrated for producing what are known as the "three famous lotuses" of China—once treasured as royal tributes in ancient times.

早在远古时期，人们便发现了莲子的食用与药用价值。如今，莲子不仅成为餐桌上的养生佳品，在中医药也占据着一席之地，展现着 “食养” 与 “药疗” 交融的魅力。

People in China have long recognized both the nutritional and medicinal benefits of lotus seeds. Today, they’re not only a prized ingredient in traditional Chinese medicine but also a staple in everyday cooking, representing the harmony of food as both nourishment and remedy.

莲子心苦，但又具备极高的药用价值，因此中国家庭大多把莲子心单独取出来作为药材，而莲子则多熬成粥，将莲子与大米、小米等谷物搭配，小火慢熬，米粒的软糯与莲子的清甜相互交融。还有莲子大枣粥、莲子银耳汤、莲子排骨汤等，甜咸都有，适合绝大多数人的口味。

The core of the lotus seed, known as the “lotus seed heart”, is quite bitter but highly valued in traditional Chinese medicine for its healing properties. In many Chinese households, the bitter core is often removed and used on its own as a medicinal herb, while the rest of the seed is cooked in various dishes. A common preparation is lotus seed porridge, where the seeds are simmered with rice, millet, or other grains—creating a soft, nourishing texture with a hint of natural sweetness. Popular variations include lotus seed and red date porridge, lotus seed soup with white fungus, and lotus seed pork rib soup. Whether sweet or savory, these dishes are both flavorful and comforting, appealing to a wide range of tastes.

责编：刘冰