What are water chestnuts?
Despite their name, water chestnuts (Eleocharis dulcis) are not nuts. They are aquatic root vegetables that grow in water-rich environments such as marshes, lakes, and mud.
Water chestnuts are often overlooked by consumers or viewed as primarily an Asian food ingredient, but they add unique texture and flavor to many dishes.
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The taste of the water chestnut is described as nutty, tart, and sweet, like a combination of coconut and apple. The texture is similar to that of an Asian pear. They are often sometimes compared to jicama.
They are dark brown and look like nuts, but the exterior is relatively easy to peel, and the inside flesh is white.
Unlike their canned counterparts, fresh water chestnuts are lovely and crunchy. They can be found with other fresh produce, usually root vegetables.
Although they were once used primarily as an ingredient in Chinese dishes, they are actually quite versatile and have found their way into various cuisines.
Water chestnuts can be prepared and eaten in many ways, such as:
- Raw as a snack
- Wrapped in bacon as a unique appetizer
- Folded into lettuce wraps
- Added into soups and pasta for a crunchy texture
- Pickled and added to toasts and other dishes
- Grated into a salad or added whole or sliced into greens
- Candied and used as an ingredient in candy and cake
- Added to pasta or Asian noodles, such as chow mein and lo mein
- Used in curries
Where did water chestnuts originate from?
Water chestnuts first appeared in Southern China, Southeast Asia, Australia, Taiwan, Africa, and the Indian and Pacific Oceans islands. They are now also found in Europe, Australia, and Africa. Introduced to the Northeast United States in the 1800s, they proliferated throughout New England and can now also be found in Virginia, California, and as far north as Quebec and as far south as Florida.
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In China, fresh water chestnuts are still viewed as a delicacy today and are turned into sweets for special occasions.
What is the nutritional value of water chestnuts?
Water chestnuts are packed with a wide range of nutrients. They contain:
- Fiber, which is important to digestion
- Manganese
- Copper
- Riboflavin
- Potassium
Water chestnuts are also very low in calories and have a very high water content (more than 75%), making them a filling option. They are, however, also relatively high in starch and sugar.
Fresh vegetables, including water chestnuts, are a great addition to kitchens and can be easily delivered or picked-up, for added convenience.
How are water chestnuts grown?
Water chestnuts require 220 frost-free days to reach maturity and are most commonly planted in April. Corms, which are underground plant stems, are placed in a field that is then flooded and drained. The plants grow until they are 12 inches high. Water chestnuts can grow in any freshwater setting but thrive in nutrient-rich waters.
Water chestnut plants provide a habitat and food for insects, fish, and other aquatic species. They cannot be grown in marshlands unless the water levels can be closely managed.
When are water chestnuts in season?
Water chestnuts are freshest and most commonly found during the fall and winter months through the spring. Home chefs who like the taste and crunch of water chestnuts will often keep the canned variety (sliced or whole) on hand all year round.
What should I look for when buying water chestnuts?
Fresh water chestnuts should be round, smooth, and firm to the touch. They should be hard and have a sheen to them and not be wrinkled.
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If you are looking to have your groceries delivered, you can easily shop for water chestnuts via Instacart. After adding a product to your cart, use the “Instructions” option to notify your Instacart shopper about any preferences or specific directions on how to choose the best products. Shop for water chestnuts.
How to tell if a water chestnut is bad
Some discoloration is natural. But if soft spots are present or the outside is mushy, the water chestnut is starting to go bad. Once it is peeled, it should be white and have a pleasant odor or no smell at all.
How to store water chestnuts
Water chestnuts sometimes arrive with mud still on them. When they are washed, their true color, which is purple-brown, emerges. They can be easily peeled with a paring knife or a vegetable peeler. Unless they are being used immediately, the water chestnuts do not need to be peeled right away.
If water chestnuts are fresh and unpeeled, they can last from 7 to 10 days in an enclosed paper bag in the refrigerator.
Water chestnuts may also be frozen, either peeled or unpeeled. Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Adding a little lemon juice will keep peeled water chestnuts from discoloring. When raw, they will keep up to 6 months, but cooked water chestnuts can be stored in the freezer for up to a year.
What can I substitute for water chestnuts?
Alternatives include:
- Turnips
- Jicama
- Jerusalem artichokes
Of course, one can also rely on canned water chestnuts in a pinch.
Where can I find water chestnuts near me?
Rather than searching grocery stores or Asian markets for fresh water chestnuts, home chefs can easily and quickly find them online via Instacart. You can be guaranteed a wide selection of fresh produce, quickly and easily, without even leaving your home.
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