Dong Thap is a province in the Mekong Delta region, long renowned for its vast lotus fields immortalized in poetry and songs. In Dong Thap, lotus is cultivated extensively, from urban streets to rural homes, making it ubiquitous. The first Dong Thap Lotus Festival was held from May 19 to May 21, 2022. 

Dong Thap lotus includes the following products: fresh lotus seeds, fresh lotus flowers, fresh lotus roots, and fresh lotus leaves. 

Dong Thap fresh lotus seeds feature a dark brown seed tip, large and elongated in size, with a seed diameter of 1.13–1.28 cm and a length of 1.55–1.73 cm. Fresh lotus flowers have a large diameter, ranging from 22.9 to 24.0 cm. 

Dong Thap fresh lotus seeds and roots are processed by locals into various delicious dishes. In terms of quality, fresh lotus seeds have a moisture content of 53.4–62.6%, starch content of 17.4–18.2%, total sugar content of 5.95–6.98%, fiber content of 0.88–1.26%, soluble calcium content of 317–460 mg/kg, and potassium content of 1.40–1.92%. 

Dong Thap fresh lotus roots contain 9.54–9.92% starch, 0.48–0.82% fiber, 7.20–7.54% total sugar, and 193–284 mg/kg soluble calcium. Fresh Dong Thap lotus leaves are characterized by a fiber content of 2.31–5.27%. 

 

The unique qualities and reputation of Dong Thap lotus stem from its natural geographical conditions and local farming practices. 

In Dong Thap province, lotus plants thrive in a year-round mild climate with minimal day-night temperature fluctuations and no extreme weather phenomena. This temperate climate contributes to the distinct nutrient composition (starch, fiber, total sugar) of Dong Thap lotus roots. 

The lotus-growing soil in Dong Thap has a moderate humus content, promoting robust plant growth and yielding large flowers and seeds. Additionally, the soil's total phosphorus (as P2O5) and potassium (as K2O) levels are superior, enhancing product quality, particularly the high potassium content in seeds. The high soluble calcium content in Dong Thap lotus roots is attributed to the soil's elevated calcium levels. 

The lotus-growing soil in Dong Thap is rich in total nitrogen, which reduces fiber synthesis in plants. This explains the lower fiber content in Dong Thap lotus leaves. 

With years of accumulated experience, Dong Thap lotus growers replant new lotus crops after each harvest. This practice mitigates the natural degeneration of Dong Thap lotus plants, ensuring consistently larger and higher-quality seeds. 

Dong Thap province is a low-lying area with high alum content, prompting growers to apply large amounts of lime to fields before planting to neutralize soil acidity and suppress harmful fungi. Lime application also enriches the soil with exchangeable calcium and magnesium, resulting in higher soluble calcium levels in Dong Thap lotus seeds and roots. 

Dong Thap lotus seeds are harvested 23 days after the flower wilts, with this timing meticulously tracked through farming logbooks. 

Dong Thap lotus is harvested year-round. 

The interplay of natural factors and cultivation methods has made Dong Thap lotus famous for its distinctive characteristics. 

Geographical area: Dong Thap province. 

  

Source: Bảo hộ chỉ dẫn địa lý “Đồng Tháp” cho sản phẩm sen   

Translator: Nguyễn Hải Phong