Lotus Root

れんこん

Ibaraki Prefecture accounts for about half of national production. The cross-section with its distinctive holes symbolizes 'clear vision ahead,' making it an auspicious food indispensable in osechi New Year cuisine. Widely used in simmered dishes, kinpira, tempura, and stuffed fritters. Rich in vitamin C and dietary fiber

Taste & Texture

Characterized by a crisp, crunchy texture and gentle sweetness. Grating yields a sticky consistency. Low in astringency and retains its texture well even after cooking

Season

MONTHLY AVAILABILITY

Jan - Dec

PEAK

※ Season is based on domestic field-grown availability

How to Choose

  • Choose lotus root with thick sections between nodes, small holes, and white flesh.

  • The cut surface should not be discolored.

  • Mud-covered root stays fresh longer.

  • Avoid roots with blemishes or dark spots.

How to Store

  • Store mud-covered roots wrapped in newspaper in the refrigerator vegetable compartment.

  • Cut pieces should be soaked in acidulated water, then wrapped and refrigerated.

  • To freeze, slice, soak in vinegar water, pat dry, then freeze.

Shelf life Mud-on refrigerated: 2-3 weeks; cut surface refrigerated: 3-4 days; frozen: 1 month

Nutrition Facts

Wholesale Market Data

MARKET INSIGHTS

CHEAPEST Mar ¥323/kg
BUSIEST Dec 4,243t
Volume (t)
In season
Price (yen/kg)

Source: MAFF Wholesale Market Survey for Fresh Produce (2023)

Retail Price

Price Trend

Cheapest Feb ¥996/1kg
Most Expensive Jul ¥2,131/1kg

Annual Average

¥1,277/1kg

Source: Statistics Bureau Retail Price Survey (2026)

Production Ranking

100% Domestic
Ibaraki60.3%
Saga11.8%
Tokushima9.7%
Aichi5.4%
Yamaguchi5.2%
Others7.5%
10%+
5%+
2%+
0.1%+
None

Map data: National Land Numerical Information (MLIT Japan)

#
Prefecture
Harvest (t)
Share
1
29,600
60.3%
2
5,820
11.8%
3
4,780
9.7%
4
2,670
5.4%
5
2,550
5.2%

Source: MAFF Crop Statistics / Agricultural Census (2023)

Top 5 Prefecture Harvest Trends (2018-2023)

Ibaraki
Saga
Tokushima
Aichi
Yamaguchi

Consumption Ranking

National Average (annual spending per household)

¥979 /year
#
City
Annual Spending
1
Kanazawa Ishikawa
¥1,487
2
Niigata Niigata
¥1,454
3
Gifu Gifu
¥1,317
4
Nagano Nagano
¥1,310
5
Saitama Saitama
¥1,307

Source: Statistics Bureau Family Income and Expenditure Survey (2024, two-or-more-person households, prefectural capital cities)