Storage rhizomes can be harvested after 120 days in warm climates and after 150 to 180 days or after the leaves die in cold weather in cool climates. At harvest, the water is drained and the fragile rhizomes are dug carefully. In some farms in Japan, high pressure water stream is used to wash away the mud and expose the storage rhizomes. Yields vary from 3.5 to 4.5 metric tons per ha. Higher yields can be obtained if flowers are removed.
Lotus rhizome retain their crisp texture even when cooked.
Thread-like mucilaginous strands exude from cut or broken surfaces when the pieces are pulled apart. Immature leaves including the petioles are used as greens. Mature seeds and carpets are eaten, both are reported by the Chinese to have medicinal qualities. Lotus has been grown in the Imperial Valley of California and I believe it can be successfully grown in the southeastern United States. It is a very important green vegetable in Southeast Asia, because it is easy to grow, high yielding, and very nutritious.