Pol Lt Manop Chirapruek holds a pack of dried lotus leaves in preparation for export. The villagers choose only semi-mature or mature leaves, which are then sorted for sale as fresh or dried leaves. The fresh leaves are packed in layers - with ground ice to keep them fresh - and then rushed to export companies. A one-day drying period is needed before the dried leaves can be exported. Pol Lt Manop said both fresh and dried leaves can be used to wrap food, but the dried leaves give off a stronger aroma.

Source: Bangkok Post August 02, 2017 09:11 UTC