Water Chestnut 荸荠 （ bí qí ）
Classification: Cyperaceae, Genus Eleocharis
Calories: 31kcal/100g
Nutritional Value: Cooling and thirst-quenching、Diuretic and expectorant、Lowers blood pressure
Not suitable for: Individuals with blood deficiency or cold constitution
Introduction: Water Chestnut, belonging to the family Cyperaceae and the genus Eleocharis, has tender and juicy flesh with a crispy, tender, and sweet taste.It is a perennial herbaceous plant that can reach a height of 15-60 centimeters.The stems are clustered and cylindrical, while the small spikelets are cylindrical and bear multiple flowers.The small nuts have a wide and inversely egg-shaped appearance with a double convex shape.Water Chestnuts can be classified into two main types: wild and cultivated.Generally, wild Water Chestnuts have thinner and shorter leafy stems and smaller corms, while cultivated Water Chestnuts have thicker and taller leafy stems and larger corms.The fruit of Water Chestnut resembles a horseshoe or chestnut, with a smooth and shiny brown skin and milky white flesh.It is recommended to choose Water Chestnuts that have a darker color and may appear somewhat unattractive, as those with a reddish color and smooth skin may still be tender or have been soaked in water by vendors.