Lotus ponds seen from above. (Photos: Adrien Jean)

The lotuses in this photo essay are in Dien Ban District, Quang Nam Province. Some lotus farmers in the area have earned their livelihood with lotus since the late 1970s. Summer is the local lotus harvest season.

Local farmers start picking lotus-seed pods before dawn. Lotus seeds are used in Vietnamese cuisine, particularly hot dishes. They are also usually roasted and served as a tasty snack.

However, lotus is more popular as scented lotus tea. Some farmers put green tea inside lotus flowers when the latter begin to close, around 11 p.m., and they then pick up the flowers at 3 a.m. This way, growers may come up with the best flavor from the lotus flowers for their tea.
Lotus is considered a sacred flower in Vietnam, which grows and blossoms in mud.

Farmers ready to harvest lotus-seed pods.

A woman harvests lotus-seed pods.

The sun shines on both the lotuses and the farmer.

A closeup of a lotus in full bloom.

Ponds covered by lotus leaves.

Farmers gathering lotus-seed pods they have picked.

Lotus seed pods in a bag.

This view of a lotus pond is fascinating.