In Yutai county, Shandong's Jining city, nestled along the western shore of Weishan Lake, the harvest season for fruit lotus pods is in full swing across 5,000 mu (about 333.33 hectares) of farmland.

At a planting base in Qinghe town, workers move through vast lotus ponds, picking plump green pods amid blooming pink flowers. Thanks to the arched greenhouses introduced in mid-March, this year's harvest began on June 10 — nearly two weeks earlier than last year.

According to the base manager, the new batches of lotus seeds boast an excellent appearance, crisp texture, and natural sweetness. Large, full-grained pods sell for up to 50 yuan ($7.37) per kilogram. Grown with organic fertilizers and green pest control methods, the seeds are juicy, refreshing, and highly popular in the market.

In recent years, Yutai county has introduced high-quality varieties, expanding cultivation to 5,000 mu. With its low-lying terrain and abundant water resources, the county has turned lotus seed farming into a high-value industry that boosts local incomes.

The harvest season is in full swing at Yutai county's 5,000-mu lotus ponds. [Photo/WeChat account: gh_ccfd1293bad8]