Jianning county is known as the hometown of lotus seeds in China. The name has helped promote the development of the lotus seed feast.

Lotus seeds can be cooked in a traditional way. Lotus seed soup, for instance, has become a specialty of the county. It can also been cooked in many ways. At present, there are more than 30 dishes and over 40 kinds of desserts that can be made with lotus seeds. The soft drink made by lotus seeds is also a necessary part of the feast.