It might seem like the distant brother of the chestnut, but water chestnuts are from an entirely different family. These vegetables are crunchy but bland, with a hint of sweetness and are called so because they have the same shape and colour as chestnuts.
Other names
Water caltrop, buffalo nut, bat nut, devil pod, ling nut, lin kok, ling kio nut, paniphal or singhara in India
Ethnicity
Southeast Asia, Australia, tropical Africa and India
Scientific name
Eleocharis dulcis
Choosing
Look for water chestnuts that are firm, with no signs of shrivelling or soft spots
Season
Available all through the year in Indian and Asian markets
Storing
Tightly pack in a plastic bag and refrigerate to last them for a week
Health benefits
- Water chestnuts are considered a good remedy for jaundice, urinary infections, cough, indigestion and nausea; however, over-eating may cause bloating of the stomach.
- They help in better functioning of the thyroid glands.
- They are great coolants in summer and are considered good to control loose motions.
- This vegetable has antibacterial, antiviral and antioxidant properties.
- They are considered effective in fighting hypertension during pregnancy.
- Water chestnuts detoxify the body, which in turn helps the skin and hair.
Did you know
Traces of water chestnuts have been found in fossils recovered in South Germany, showing that they were consumed extensively then; however, they are now considered as endangered species over there.
