Is the water chestnut a fruit or a vegetable? The latest answer is here

The water chestnut, also known as Chinese water chestnut, water chestnut, fuci, wuyu, puji, etc., is a perennial herbaceous plant with persistent roots of the Cyperus genus in the Cyperaceae family. It grows in ponds and marshes, with dark green stems growing in clusters above ground, and white, juicy, crisp and tasty flesh, earning it the reputation of “underground snow pear”. People in the north call it “Jiangnan ginseng”. Now let us take a look together at whether the water chestnut is a fruit or a vegetable!

Is the water chestnut a fruit or a vegetable?

The water chestnut is both a fruit and a vegetable. The water chestnut is a seasonal favorite among the public. It can be eaten raw as a fruit and can also be eaten as a vegetable. It is very rich in nutrients, and the phosphorus it contains is relatively high among root vegetables. It can promote human growth and development and maintain the needs of physiological functions. It is greatly beneficial to the development of teeth and bones, and at the same time can promote the metabolism of the three major substances in the body: sugar, fat, and protein, and regulate acid-base balance. Therefore, the water chestnut is suitable for children to eat.

How do you peel water chestnuts quickly?

1. Method one: The water chestnut can first be soaked in clean water for half an hour, and then peeled with a small knife. In this way, the skin of the water chestnut can be peeled off very smoothly and the top of the water chestnut can be handled well.

2. Method two: The skin of the water chestnut is a black skin. A small knife can be used to directly remove the outer skin and peel it off. Peeling this way is more direct, and it is generally for people who eat it raw. Some people also peel the water chestnut this way and then use it to make soup. This way of eating is also very common.

3. Method three: The water chestnut can first be put into water and cooked, and then the skin of the water chestnut can be torn off by hand. After removing the skin, eat them one by one. This is also especially fresh, sweet, and tasty.

How to eat water chestnuts

1. Angelica, water chestnut and job's tears porridge

[Ingredients] 30 grams of water chestnuts, 100 grams of job's tears, 15 grams of angelica

[Method] Wash the water chestnuts, peel and cut into pieces. Wash the job's tears. Slice the angelica and put it into a pot, add water and decoct for half an hour, remove the residue and take the juice. Add the job's tears and water chestnuts and cook into porridge. After the porridge is done, honey can be added before eating.

[Efficacy] Angelica invigorates the blood, water chestnuts clear heat and detoxify, and job's tears promote diuresis. This dietary therapy recipe has the effects of invigorating the blood and relieving pain, clearing heat and detoxifying, and strengthening the spleen and promoting diuresis, and can enhance human immunity.

2. Steamed meat patty with water chestnuts

[Ingredients] 6 water chestnuts, 300 grams of half-fat half-lean pork, a little Tianjin winter vegetable, 1 sprig of cilantro, and appropriate amounts of cornstarch, chicken powder, and salt.

[Method] Peel and wash the water chestnuts, and cut into small pieces. Wash the pork, slice it, and then mince it. Wash the cilantro and cut into sections. Mix the water chestnuts, pork, winter vegetable, cornstarch, chicken powder, salt, and a little clean water evenly, put it on a plate, steam over water over high heat for half an hour, sprinkle with cilantro, and it is ready to eat.

[Efficacy] Clears heat and detoxifies, cools the blood and promotes fluid production, and promotes urination and bowel movements.

3. Braised lamb brisket with water chestnuts and bean curd sticks

[Ingredients] 6 water chestnuts, 250 grams of lamb brisket, 100 grams of bean curd sticks, 3 slices of ginger, 2 stalks of scallion white, 2 pieces of fermented bean curd, 2 teaspoons of baijiu, and appropriate amounts of white granulated sugar, oil, and salt.

[Method] Wash and peel the water chestnuts, and flatten them with the back of a knife. Wash the bean curd sticks, soak them in warm water for one hour, and take them out for later use. Wash the lamb brisket and cut into pieces, blanch in water for 5 minutes and take out, and marinate briefly with baijiu, white granulated sugar, and salt. Heat the pot and add an appropriate amount of oil, sauté the ginger slices and scallion until fragrant, add the lamb brisket and stir-fry briefly, then add the water chestnuts, bean curd sticks, fermented bean curd sticks, and a little water and braise together for half an hour.

[Efficacy] Nourishes yin and moistens the lungs, clears heat and resolves phlegm, and promotes urination and bowel movements.