When is the ripening time for lotus seed pods?

Bowing down to pick lotus seeds, the lotus seeds clear as water, it is time to eat lotus seed pods again. Summer lotus seed pods are tender, fresh and sweet, and very delicious, so when do lotus seed pods ripen?

Lotus seed pods do not ripen until after September. After September, lotus seed pods begin to slowly turn black from tender green, and a blackened lotus seed pod is fully ripe; we call these old lotus seeds. Old lotus seeds are edible. Although their texture is not as tender as fresh lotus seeds, they have a distinctive flavor of their own and taste quite starchy, so they can be used to make congee. In summer, eating congee made with lotus seeds can clear heat and reduce internal heat, and nourish the heart and calm the mind.

However, the immature tender lotus seed pods in July and August are also edible.