Chinese water chestnut

Chinese water chestnut (Eleocharis dulcis), also known as the water chestnut, Chinese water caltrop or simply water caltrop, is a grass-like sedge native to Asia, Australia, tropical Africa, and various islands of the Pacific and Indian Oceans. It is grown in many countries for its edible corms.

Taxonomy

The Chinese water chestnut is a member of the Cyperaceae family, which includes around 5,500 species of monocotyledonous flowering plants. The scientific name Eleocharis dulcis is derived from the Greek words eleos (marsh) and charis (grace), referring to the plant's preference for wet habitats, and dulcis (sweet), referring to the sweet taste of the corms.

Description

The Chinese water chestnut is a perennial plant that grows in marshy, wetlands. It has triangular stems that grow to 1–1.5 m tall, while the leaves are strap-shaped, 30–60 cm long and 2–3 cm broad. The plant produces small, white flowers in the summer, followed by a fruit that is a small, brown nut.

Cultivation and uses

Chinese water chestnuts are cultivated for their corms in flooded fields, similar to rice cultivation. The corms are harvested after the tops of the plant die down in the late summer to early autumn. They are a popular ingredient in Chinese cuisine, especially in stir-fry dishes, and are also used in salads, soups, and desserts. They are valued for their crunchy texture and sweet, nutty flavor.

Nutritional value

Chinese water chestnuts are low in calories and fat, and high in carbohydrates. They are a good source of dietary fiber, potassium, manganese, and vitamin B6, and also contain moderate amounts of riboflavin, copper, and vitamin C.

See also

• Water caltrop
• Cyperaceae
• Corm