Autumn heralds the opportune time to discover fresh lotus roots in the market. The lotus roots produced in the water towns of Lingnan are rich in starch, offering a sweet and refreshing taste with a crisp texture. The lotus roots from Xinken Town in Nansha District are particularly well-known in Guangdong for their intense fragrance. When compared to their counterparts from neighboring regions like Nanhai, Shunde, and Zhongshan, the Nansha variety emerges triumphant with its elevated starch content and robust flavor. Also, lotus roots from Jingtang Village in Huadong Town are a specialty that possesses a slender and elongated shape, unlike the plump lotus roots from Xinken Town or the robust ones from Honghu City, Hubei Province. However, their taste is incredibly refreshing and sweet. The inherent rustic charm of lotus roots brings a touch of nostalgic warmth to any dish prepared with them, be it in an upscale hotel or a local restaurant. #LingnanCuisine

秋令时节，正是鲜藕应市之时（王敏 摄）

入秋后，是挖藕人最忙碌的时候（刘伟 摄）

秋冬季所收获的新垦莲藕肥大丰满，粉香松化（刘伟 摄）

秋令时节，正是鲜藕应市之时。岭南水乡出产的莲藕富含淀粉，味道甘甜、爽口脆滑。南沙新垦藕最为广东人熟悉，它藕香浓郁，与周边的南海、顺德、中山等地的莲藕相比，以其淀粉多，鲜味十足而取胜。京塘藕是花东镇京塘村的特产，相比肥嘟嘟的新垦藕、粗壮的洪湖藕，它的身形又细又长，但入口却是十分爽甜。莲藕那与生俱来的农家气息，使它无论是身处高级酒店，还是平民酒楼，做出的菜式或多或少都带有一点亲切的农家味。

文/羊城晚报全媒体记者 王敏 马思泳