Frozen Water Chestnut Slices? The 86 New Answer

How to freeze chestnuts

If you haven’t discovered the delicious chestnut yet, you’re missing out! Chestnuts are very versatile. Their unique nutty aroma and crumbly-smooth texture make them great for many dishes, both savory and sweet. Even if fresh chestnuts can only be found in Australian supermarkets and greengrocers from mid-March to July… fear not, because there is a solution! Freeze chestnuts!

Freezing chestnuts means you can enjoy them almost all year round.

What to do when freezing chestnuts

Chestnuts can be frozen with or without the skin, raw or cooked. Regardless of the shape, they can stay frozen for 2 to 3 months. If you intend to use your frozen chestnuts for roasting, leaving the shells intact is ideal. However, if you are using the frozen chestnuts in a recipe that requires their shells to be removed, such as Make a delicious chestnut pudding or a stir-fry of chestnuts, beef and pak choi then save time and effort by peeling them before freezing them later.

Follow these simple steps to freeze chestnuts:

Place chestnuts in freezer-safe bags, freezer-safe glass, or plastic containers

To ensure cooked, peeled chestnuts separate easily after freezing, space them out on a tray and freeze for several hours

Once frozen, remove from tray and place in a freezer-safe container.

It’s so easy to extend the life of chestnuts. Try these chestnut recipes now!

All about water chestnuts and how to cook with them

The humble water chestnut is a crunchy staple in Asian-inspired recipes, from savory stir-fries to the retro-cool bacon-wrapped chicken liver appetizer known as rumaki. But how much do you really know about the ubiquitous water chestnut? And how do you cook with it?

Water Chestnut Fun Facts

They’re not crazy at all, although they resemble the chestnuts that grow on trees.

Water chestnuts love the mud and grow in swamps and paddy fields across Asia.

These are found at the root end of a grass plant, and while they’re called a root vegetable, they’re not technically a vegetable at all, but a tuber. Like a potato.

They were first grown in Africa but really embraced in China and now around the world.

nutritional nuggets

Water chestnuts are a great source of potassium—almost as much as a banana in one serving—and also contain fiber, B-6, and even a little protein. They’re also virtually fat-free.

These might not be a hit with the low-carb crowd, however, as the sweet taste equates to 3 grams of sugar per serving.

Freshwater chestnuts have twice the nutrients of their canned counterparts.

Shelled Water Chestnuts Photo by Leslie Kelly In their natural state, freshwater chestnuts are a real treat. Photo by Leslie Kelly

What to look out for when buying water chestnuts

Price is often the driving force behind selection, and the cheapest option is almost always canned. When buying canned, choose whole water chestnuts rather than sliced ​​ones, as whole water chestnuts have a crunchier texture. It is widely believed that water chestnuts sold in jars have a fresher taste.

While canned water chestnuts are available in every supermarket from coast to coast, fresh water chestnuts make a regular appearance in Asian grocery stores. When buying freshwater chestnuts, a good indicator of quality is whether they are full and heavy.

How to store water chestnuts

Fresh water chestnuts should be kept in a sealed container in the refrigerator’s food drawer to extend their shelf life. Use within a few days of purchase. Once opened, leftover water chestnuts should be stored in cool, filtered water in a covered container in the refrigerator and used within a few days of opening, changing the water daily. Once opened, canned water chestnuts can remain in their original glass container and refrigerated. Stored this way, water chestnuts should be consumed within a few days of opening.

Prepare water chestnuts

Preserved water chestnuts should be rinsed under cold, running water. To remove the “tinny” taste, soak rinsed water chestnuts in fresh water with 1 teaspoon baking soda for 10 minutes before slicing or chopping for various recipes.

To peel freshwater chestnuts, cut off the top and bottom and use a vegetable peeler to remove the skin. Rinse with cold running water. Chop, slice, or dice into desired shape and size to use in your next recipe.

How to cook with water chestnuts

Freshwater chestnuts can be eaten raw after peeling. They are a popular snack in Asia and are served by street vendors. If you’re cooking with fresh or canned, add both towards the end of cooking so they retain their maximum crispiness. Because they have a more neutral flavor, they are valued for their crunchy texture in a variety of preparations from appetizers to desserts.

Top rated recipes with water chestnuts

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Water chestnuts are an aquatic tuber vegetable. They grow in parts of Southeast Asia, Africa, Australia and many Pacific islands. A water chestnut resembles a real chestnut in color and shape, but it is not a nut. Water chestnuts are popular in many cuisines and have a variety of potential health benefits. These benefits can include:

Providing Antioxidants Share on Pinterest Eating water chestnuts may help reduce cancer risk. Water chestnuts are an excellent source of antioxidants. Antioxidants help the body’s immune system fight free radicals, which are potentially harmful molecules. When free radicals accumulate to a certain level, they can cause a state of oxidative stress, which compromises the body’s natural defenses and damages cells. Oxidative stress is associated with an increased risk of developing chronic diseases, including cancer. However, some research suggests that the antioxidants found in water chestnut peel may help neutralize the effects of free radicals on the body.

Slowing down tumor growth Water chestnuts contain an antioxidant called ferulic acid. There is evidence that ferulic acid can reduce or slow the growth of cancer cells. For example, a test-tube study of breast cancer found that ferulic acid both helped kill the cells and reduced the rate of growth. However, more human research is needed to determine if the compounds in water chestnuts may help fight cancer.

Lower calorie consumption Water chestnuts are very low in calories. Half a cup of sliced ​​water chestnuts contains only 60 calories. Despite their low calorie content, water chestnuts contain many nutrients, including: Fiber

protein

copper

potassium

magnesium

riboflavin

Vitamin B-6

How to Use Water Chestnuts Water chestnuts are easy to prepare and eat. Grocery stores that carry international foods often offer them canned or whole. People can also buy them online. To use a whole freshwater chestnut, peel the outer brown skin to reveal the white flesh underneath. A person can eat the meat raw. They can also be fried, grilled, boiled, or sautéed to provide a sweet, crunchy addition to a meal. Depending on the dish, a person may serve them whole, sliced, diced, or ground. They’re popular in stir-fries, chop suey, and many curries. People also enjoy candied or pickled water chestnuts as a snack. Or, in a flour mix or as a thickener, squeeze and grind dried water chestnuts.

One of my favorite foraging experiences is finding a large sweet chestnut tree and this year is a good time of year for them! Every morning as I walk Hampstead Heath, there’s a big one right there, gently coaxing me to start picking these smooth, shiny gems. (check what I have on the right!)

Sweet chestnuts are not only delicious, they are angels sent by nature to nourish our Kidney QI as we prepare for winter. Especially if you have a cold thin saturnian constitution like me, they are really valuable, most people in the city these days have a cold imbalance. I eat them for breakfast and that’s when they’re best in my opinion, the easiest is freshly steamed, but there are obviously many ways to eat them and store them for the winter as fresh don’t last long. As soon as I eat one I can literally feel the warm, restorative and tonic effect it has on my kidneys and spleen, so I’m appreciating the season that is about to begin!

I was looking at a cross-sectional diagram of the kidneys the other day and was surprised to notice what looked like little chestnuts inside a kidney bean (see image at right). So it’s no coincidence that the Chinese like to enjoy chestnuts with kidney beans as a kidney cure! Ahh… the universe smiles with us at every turn 🙂

Below is some cool information about sweet chestnuts, their long historical uses, what they do and how to prepare them.

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the chestnut is considered a “fruit for the kidneys and kidney patients”. It is a warming food that nourishes the QI of the gastrointestinal system, spleen and kidneys. Nourishing the kidneys is especially important for those who have a sore lower back, frequent nighttime urination, or loose teeth.

Chestnuts are also used in TCM to improve blood circulation and are eaten daily by the elderly in China to prevent and treat high blood pressure, heart disease, hardening of the arteries and osteoporosis. In addition, chestnuts are rich in carbohydrates. Its energy-warming property is good for suppressing and fighting colds. It is also used as a tonic in fall and winter.

Eating chestnuts raw can be just as beneficial to your health as eating them cooked. According to TCM, eating raw chestnuts can cure back and leg problems caused by weak kidneys. Every morning and evening, the patient should slowly chew a few chestnuts until they become white pulp and then slowly swallow. Here is a fantastic read that explains everything about how to maintain a good and healthy lifestyle to live longer in this world.

When eating chestnuts, always chew them carefully. Stomach and spleen can be damaged if eaten too quickly. Although they are good for your health, eating too many chestnuts can cause constipation.

About 5 to 10 chestnuts per day are considered sufficient.

This edible nut has been used by the Chinese since Neolithic times. For many centuries it was probably the most important and/or popular nut used in their cooking. The word for chestnut is li tzu. The Chinese love words that are homonyms, and this one sounds like two others; one means “favorable”, the other means “sons”.

Perhaps one of, if not the earliest, nut used in ancient times. Writings on the chestnut have been found on oracle bones along with the mulberry, apricot, and jujube. There are early writings on them from Zhou (1046 – 256 BC) to the Han Dynasty period; they are often mentioned as important food. Many years later they are recorded as that and more in the Shih Ching or Book of Odes (c. 700 BCE) and the Li Chi or Book of Rites (c. 100 BCE).

Other things that are known about the chestnut are that they are considered a good omen and that chestnut trees were planted near courtyard mansions. They were also planted near altars in temples dedicated to earthly spirits. Then as now, the chestnut played a religious role as a temple sacrifice.

What is less well known is that in ancient times chestnuts were sun-dried and stored covered in sand under a potter’s dome. A lesser-known way is to eat them after pickling and salting them. Not so readily available today, they were made this way during the Tang Dynasty (AD 618 – 907). Chestnuts are very perishable when fresh. So the Chinese preserve them in a variety of ways. Most are boiled briefly, then peeled and dried. Many peeled ones are boiled in a thick sugar syrup. Others are canned in water. And some are still pickled in salt or vinegar or both.

When starving, they recommend chewing, swallowing and digesting three boiled chestnuts. In doing so, they guess, and hunger pangs will quickly disappear. Then that’s what they say to go back to normal meals.

Chinese grandmothers have different recommendations. They sew dried chestnuts into the hem of a granddaughter’s wedding dress. They also like to pack chestnuts in the dress boxes to take to a bride’s new home. You want to ensure an early and easy birth. They use the chestnut as an omen for many sons. Sometimes they add hair vegetables to the hem or dress box. The reason is that her granddaughter will not lose much hair during childbirth and her offspring will have plenty of jet black hair.

The full history can be found here: http://www.flavorandfortune.com/dataaccess/article.php?ID=471

Check out our herbal alchemy products and events for much more wild wisdom and healing: http://www.rawecstasy.co.uk/herbalchemy

7 minutes read

Water chestnuts have a very misleading name. They’re not really chestnuts; In fact, they’re not crazy at all. They are actually a type of tubular vegetable that grows in shallow water.

They are crispy and white and can be eaten raw or cooked. It’s understandable if you’ve never had one. They’re not exactly the most popular vegetable. But water chestnuts have numerous health benefits that you might not have guessed.

Incorporating variety into your eating habits is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. With that in mind, let’s explore some of these benefits and also some different ways you can enjoy water chestnuts so you can add them to your next meal.

Few calories

Despite being packed with nutrients, water chestnuts are delightfully low in calories. If you are on a strict diet plan that requires you to count calories, water chestnuts are easy to add to your diet and the benefits are well worth it.

antioxidants

These powerful free radical fighters help keep your body’s immune system in check. Free radicals are particles that can cause a variety of diseases and are found in many common products.

Because free radicals are so difficult to avoid, it’s important to fuel your body with antioxidants that will boost your immunity and keep the effects of free radicals at bay.

Low fat

Another good news for those on a diet, water chestnuts are very low in fat. Although fat isn’t as bad as it used to be (we now know that sugar is far more harmful), it’s still a good idea to limit the total amount of fat you eat in a day.

If you’re looking for an easy way to get your vitamins and nutrients without consuming too much fat, water chestnuts are a great option.

heart health

Water chestnuts have long been used to treat heart health factors, and there is research to support this.

One of the most powerful nutrients in water chestnuts is potassium. And a high-potassium diet has been linked to a reduced risk of several serious heart problems.

fiber

If you’re struggling with digestive issues, a lack of fiber could be at the root of some of your problems. If that’s the case, water chestnuts are a convenient and tasty way to load up on fiber.

Plant-based fiber is an important part of a balanced diet and can help keep your gut health in good shape. When your gut becomes unbalanced, it can throw your entire system out of balance, which can lead to lack of energy, restless sleep, bad moods and even skin problems. To keep your gut functioning smoothly, make sure you stock up on plenty of fiber.

Increase weight loss efforts

Although they are low in calories, the nutrients in water chestnuts make you feel full after eating a relatively small amount. Because of this, they can help tremendously with weight loss.

When you’re in the mood for a snack and need a low-calorie option that’s better than nutrient-less fries or pretzels or the like, grab a handful of water chestnuts and snacks.

protein

While it’s important not to eat too much protein, plant-based protein, like that found in water chestnuts, is a safer choice than other sources of protein, like red meat.

This is another reason why water chestnuts can fill you up even if you haven’t eaten much. The protein content also helps fuel your body.

potassium

As previously mentioned, potassium is a powerful helper for heart health, and water chestnuts are loaded with this nutrient.

But potassium has another important function besides regulating heart health — it can help maintain the correct pH level in your body, which is extremely important. If your gut isn’t at the right pH level, you can feel the effects in the form of low energy and digestive issues.

manganese

Water chestnuts are loaded with manganese, a little-known nutrient that helps maintain healthy bones. In fact, manganese itself has a wide range of health benefits.

| Related: 15 Best Anti-Inflammatory Foods |

It can help regulate sugar levels, keep your metabolism pumped, protect against inflammation, and support thyroid health.

copper

Copper also helps with cardiovascular health, but it does a lot more than that. It can help regulate your energy levels and collagen production.

Collagen is an important protein found everywhere from your skin to your cartilage. Without enough collagen, your joints can become stiff or painful, and water chestnuts are a great way to boost your supply and improve joint health.

Vitamin B6

This is one of the best and most versatile vitamins for your health, and water chestnuts have it in abundance. Vitamin B6 can help with skin health, liver function, mood swings and even eye health.

If you’re looking for a seamless new way to introduce vitamin B6 into your system, adding water chestnuts to one of your favorite meals could be a great option.

riboflavin

Riboflavin (aka vitamin B2) has a wide range of benefits and is essential for your body’s energy production. Riboflavin helps you break down carbohydrates and turn them into energy.

If you find yourself feeling tired or “stuck” during the day, it could be that your body is struggling to produce enough internal energy. If that’s the case, riboflavin-rich foods like water chestnuts could potentially be of great help.

Tips for adding water chestnuts to your diet

If you’re looking to add water chestnuts to your diet, what’s the best way to do it? Well, there are a number of options depending on your taste.

One option is to use dried chestnuts and groundwater chestnuts as an alternative to flour. Or, if you prefer to enjoy the vegetables to the fullest, you can enjoy them grilled, pickled, roasted, boiled or even raw.

They can be easily added to dishes such as soups, curries, stir-fries, scrambled eggs, and other dishes that contain a varied mix of ingredients. They can be bought fresh or canned at many grocery stores, but if you’re having trouble finding them, try checking your local Asian grocery store, as they’re common in Asian cuisine.

The final result

While we have often eaten water chestnuts as a supporting ingredient in dishes, the western diet often fails to take advantage of all the health benefits that water chestnuts have to offer.

From heart and bone health to being a plant-based source of protein, water chestnuts are a great way to stay healthy. Try adding them to a recipe or just as a snack while continuing to enjoy the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.

READ MORE >>> 6 Surprising Health Benefits of Barberry

Actually not a nut at all, the water chestnut is actually a tuber (onion-like root). They are flat and round, usually around 3 cm in diameter, with a papery dark brown skin, and are peeled to reveal their white flesh before use.

Freshwater chestnuts are popular in Chinese cuisine, but canned peeled chestnuts are more commonly used in Western cuisine. Water chestnuts are valued in Chinese cuisine not for their rather bland flavor but for their crunchy texture that is preserved when cooked quickly.

Uses: In stir-fries and a variety of Chinese dishes to add a crunchy texture.

Preparation: Peel freshwater chestnuts and cut into thin slices before cooking. Rinse and drain canned water chestnuts before slicing and cooking.

Storage: Fresh water chestnuts can be kept unpeeled in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Opened canned water chestnuts should be kept in water and consumed within 3-4 days.

To cook: Stir fry freshly sliced ​​water chestnuts for 5 minutes and tinned sliced ​​water chestnuts for 2 minutes. If the chestnuts are cooked longer, they will not retain their crunchy texture.

Water chestnuts are a prominent ingredient in Chinese cuisine. They are native to Southeast Asia and have been cultivated in China since ancient times. The name “water chestnut” comes from the fact that it resembles a chestnut in shape and color (it has papery brown skin over white flesh), but the water chestnut is actually not a nut at all – it’s a water bulb (root-like part of a plant), that grows in freshwater swamps.

Water chestnuts require a long frost-free growing season (about seven months), which means they are only grown in subtropical areas, including some states like California and Florida. They can be eaten raw or cooked.

Fast Facts Varieties: fresh and canned

Place of origin: China

Common preparations: roasted and fried

Fresh vs. canned water chestnuts

Water chestnuts are sold both fresh and canned, but canned are much easier to find. However, it is worth looking for freshwater chestnuts as they have a sweeter flavor and are very crunchy with a slightly juicy finish. Use fresh water chestnuts in dishes where the water chestnut is the main ingredient.

Preserved water chestnuts can have a similar texture but are virtually tasteless. They are best incorporated into a dish primarily for texture, such as in stir-fries, fillings, soups, and dumpling fillings. Fresh water chestnuts are more expensive than canned ones.

Use of water chestnuts

Water chestnuts are most often used in Chinese recipes alongside other vegetables in a stir-fry, but they can also be part of a classic bacon appetizer and add a welcome crunch to a creamy spinach dip. To take a vegetable side dish from average to interesting, add sliced ​​water chestnuts towards the end of cooking. Depending on whether the water chestnuts are fresh or canned will determine how they are prepared.

PhotoAlto/Isabelle Rozenbaum/Getty Images

PhotoAlto/Isabelle Rozenbaum/Getty Images

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How to cook with water chestnuts

Freshwater chestnuts must be prepared differently than canned. Before cooking with fresh water chestnuts, the top and bottom of the water chestnut must be cut off, the skin removed with a vegetable peeler, and the water chestnut rinsed with cold water. They can be peeled in advance, but must be stored in cold water in the refrigerator, changing the water daily.

Before using canned water chestnuts, rinse them under warm running water to remove any “tinny” taste. It’s best to add water chestnuts, whether fresh or canned, towards the end of cooking to preserve the crunchy texture.

How do they taste?

Fresh water chestnuts taste different than canned ones – or rather, fresh ones have flavor while canned ones don’t. Freshwater chestnuts are very aromatic and are fruity, nutty and delicately sweet. They’re like a cross between an apple and a coconut with the texture of a pear. However, cans have little taste.

Water chestnut recipes

Fresh water chestnuts should be used in recipes where they will be the star, like the appetizer, water chestnuts wrapped in bacon. Canned goods, on the other hand, are better used for their texture, as in a sweet and sour meatball recipe.

Where to buy water chestnuts

Fresh water chestnuts are available year-round in Asian markets, either in packets or in containers. Unless you live in an area where they are grown locally, freshwater chestnuts are generally not available at neighborhood grocery stores. However, canned water chestnuts are available in most supermarkets year-round.

When choosing freshwater chestnuts, look for firm ones with unwrinkled skin and no soft spots—otherwise you may find that the water chestnut has become mushy when peeled. In general, it’s best to buy a few more chestnuts than you need, just in case a few go bad.

Preserved water chestnuts are offered either whole or sliced. If you don’t mind slicing them yourself, buy the whole ones as they have a crunchier texture.

storage

Unpeeled, fresh water chestnuts will keep in a plastic bag in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator for 7 to 10 days. Store canned water chestnuts in a cool, dry place and use within a year. Once opened, store the canned water chestnuts in a sealed container in the refrigerator and consume within three days.

Despite being called chestnuts, water chestnuts are not nuts at all. They are aquatic tuberous vegetables that grow in swamps, ponds, paddy fields, and shallow lakes (1).

Water chestnuts are native to Southeast Asia, southern China, Taiwan, Australia, Africa, and many islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans.

They are harvested when the tuber or corm turns a dark brown color.

They have crisp, white flesh that can be enjoyed raw or cooked and is a common accompaniment to Asian dishes such as stir fries, chop suey, curries and salads.

However, water chestnuts (Eleocharis dulcis) should not be confused with water chestnuts (Trapa natans), which are also often referred to as water chestnuts. Water coldtrops are shaped like bats or buffalo heads and taste similar to yams or potatoes.

Water chestnuts have many uses and are associated with several benefits. Here are five scientifically proven benefits of water chestnuts, along with ideas on how to eat them.

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summary

Chestnuts have more minerals, vitamin C, fats, calories and less sugar than water chestnuts.

Water chestnuts have a lower sodium and glycemic index, and saturated fats have more fiber and B-family vitamins.

introduction

At first glance, chestnuts and water chestnuts may appear to be the same food, but they are not. We will discover the nutritional value, differences and similarities between sweet chestnuts and water chestnuts.

What’s the actual difference?

Water chestnuts and chestnuts have nothing to do with each other. The only thing they have in common is the name, and that’s where their similarities end. Water chestnuts, also known as Chinese water chestnuts, are aquatic vegetables that grow in swamps, ponds, and lakes. On the other hand, chestnuts are tree nuts that have eight or nine species of trees and shrubs.

nutrition

Below on this page are nutritional infographics visually presenting the differences between chestnut and water chestnut.

The food types used in this article are raw Chinese water chestnut and cooked and roasted European chestnut.

fats

Both water chestnuts and chestnuts have a tiny amount of fat. However, the fat content of chestnuts is higher compared to water chestnuts.

It has 1.38g total fat per 100g, while water chestnuts have 0.1g per 100g. As you can see, this number is slightly different.

Both have no trans fats, making them suitable for dieters.

calories

The number of calories in chestnuts is higher than in water chestnuts. But even here the difference is very small.

Chestnuts have 131 kcal per 100g, while water chestnuts have 97 kcal per 100g. Both are suitable for a low-calorie diet.

carbohydrates

Chestnuts contain more carbohydrates than water chestnuts. It has 26.76g of carbohydrates in 100g, while water chestnuts have 23.94g.

The total carb count of these two foods is almost the same, but they differ in the number of net carbs.

All carbs in chestnuts are net carbs, while water chestnuts have 20.94g net carbs and 3g fiber per 100g.

cholesterol

Chestnuts and water chestnuts contain no cholesterol.

minerals

When it comes to mineral content, chestnuts have a relatively high number.

Chestnuts, in particular, have iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, and copper than water chestnuts. It also contains four times more calcium. Important Notes Chestnuts fall in the 8% range of foods as a source of potassium. These nuts can provide 20% of your daily potassium intake.

On the other hand, water chestnuts contain more zinc and less sodium than chestnuts.

Comparison of minerals The comparison of minerals is based on the number of minerals by which one or the other food is richer. The “coverage” table below shows how much of the daily requirement can be met with 300 grams of the food chestnut 6: 2 water chestnuts Contains more calcium +318.2% Contains more iron +2783.3% Contains more magnesium +145.5 % Contains more phosphorus + 57.1% Contains more potassium +22.4% Contains more copper +44.8% Contains less sodium -48.1% Contains more zinc +100% Chestnut Calcium Iron Magnesium Phosphorus Potassium Sodium Zinc Copper 14% 65% 39% 43% 64% 4% 7% 158% Water Chestnuts Calcium Iron Magnesium Phosphorus Potassium Sodium Zinc Copper 4% 3% 16% 27% 52% 2% 14% 109% Contains more calcium +318.2% Contains more iron +2783.3% Contains more magnesium +145.5% Contains more phosphorus +57.1% Contains more potassium +22.4% Contains more copper +44.8% Contains less sodium -48.1% Contains more zinc +100 %

vitamins

Both water chestnuts and chestnuts have a moderate amount of vitamins.

For example, water chestnuts have higher levels of vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B5, and vitamin B6.

On the other hand, chestnuts contain more vitamin C, vitamin A and folic acid.

Chestnuts have almost seven times more vitamin C and cover your daily requirement by 25% more than water chestnuts.

Both lack vitamin B12 and vitamin D.

Vitamin comparison The vitamin comparison score is based on the number of vitamins by which one or the other food is richer. The “Coverage” table below shows how much of the daily requirement can be met with 300 grams of the food chestnut 4: 6 water chestnuts Contains more vitamin A +∞% Contains more vitamin C +567.5% Contains more folate +137.5% Contains more vitamin B2 +92.3% contains more vitamin B3 +36.8% contains more vitamin B5 +51.6% contains more vitamin B6 +40.8% equal amount of vitamin B1 – 0.14 chestnut vitamin A vitamin E vitamin D Vitamin C Vitamin B1 Vitamin B2 Vitamin B3 Vitamin B5 Vitamin B6 Folate Vitamin B12 Vitamin K 2% 0% 0% 89% 37% 24% 14% 19% 54% 29% 0% 0% Water Chestnut Vitamin A Vitamin E Vitamin D Vitamin C Vitamin B1 Vitamin B2 Vitamin B3 Vitamin B5 Vitamin B6 Folate Vitamin B12 Vitamin K 0% 24% 0% 14% 35% 47% 19% 29% 76% 12% 0% 1% Contains more vitamin A +∞% Contains more vitamin C +567.5% Contains more folate +137.5% Contains more vitamin B2 +92.3% Contains more vitamin B3 +36.8% Contains more vitamin B5 +51.6% Contains more vitamin B6 +40.8% the same amount of vitamin B1 – 0.14

weight loss

Because both chestnuts and water chestnuts are low in calories, fats, and carbohydrates, they may be suitable for a low-calorie, low-fat, and low-carbohydrate diet. They can also be added to your recommended food list in the case of DASH, Atkins, Mediterranean, and Paleo diets.

Health Benefits

This section of the article details the health effects of water chestnuts and chestnuts, the pros and cons of eating them.

phenols

Both chestnuts and water chestnuts have high levels of total phenols, including both free and bound phenols.

Tidal phenols in chestnuts include anthocyanins, flavonoids, proanthocyanidins, and isoflavones. These substances have powerful antioxidant properties [1].

The main phenolic compounds of water chestnut are gallocatechin gallate, epicatechin gallate and catechin gallate. They also have trace amounts of anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins, and isoflavones [2].

cardiovascular health

Both water chestnuts and chestnuts contain antioxidants that may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular problems. According to research, the flavonoids found in these foods may help protect the heart from oxidative stress associated with stroke and heart disease [1]. Due to their high mineral and chemical content, water chestnuts have been used to treat risk factors such as high blood pressure.

Gallic acid and ellagic acid, both found in water chestnuts, have been shown in studies to help protect the heart from oxidative stress associated with heart disease [2].

In addition, chestnuts are rich in potassium, which helps maintain the heart by allowing electricity to flow freely throughout the body. One study found that a high-potassium diet can reduce the risk of heart disease by 27% and stroke by 24% [4].

Cancer

Water chestnuts and chestnuts are rich in flavonoids and phenolic compounds with antioxidant properties.

Water chestnuts, in particular, are rich in gallocatechin gallate, epicatechin gallate, and catechin gallate. These compounds possess powerful antioxidant properties and have been shown to protect against diseases caused by free radicals, such as cancer. They also contain anthocyanins and isoflavones, which may help prevent diseases related to oxidative stress. A malignant tumor is the second leading cause of death worldwide. The mechanisms of anti-tumor action are related to killing cancer cells directly or stimulating the immune system to fight the tumor. According to the study, water chestnut extract has therapeutic potential for breast, colon, pancreas, prostate, oral and kidney cancer [1] [5].

On the other hand, chestnuts also have anti-cancer properties. According to research, chestnuts may cure stomach cancer. Also, these nuts are high in vitamin C, which has anti-cancer properties. According to a study, chestnuts may be beneficial in treating gastric cancer and epistaxis [6].

strengthen your immune system

Chestnuts are an excellent immune system booster due to their high concentration of vitamin C and other antioxidant compounds and trace elements such as copper. According to research, vitamin C can help in the recovery of people with a cold.

Vitamin C increases white blood cell production and acts as an antioxidant, reducing the risk of free radical formation and neutralizing them before they mutate healthy cells or cause oxidative stress in the vicinity of vital organs. This can help the immune system focus its pathogens and prevention efforts [6].

Anti-inflammatory effect

Water chestnuts contain a “puchiin” compound with powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Puchiin has been known for a long time and is considered the second herbal antibacterial agent after penicillin. The antibacterial properties and functions of Puchiins are similar to penicillin in boosting immune function [5].

Other Health Benefits

Chestnuts are rich in magnesium. They are found in about 21% of foods as a source of magnesium. Research suggests that migraine sufferers may have low levels of magnesium. Several studies have shown that magnesium supplements help prevent and treat migraine headaches [7].

disadvantages and risks

allergy

The allergen responsible for the chestnut allergy reaction is most likely one of the lipid transfer proteins. Thirty percent of chestnut allergy sufferers experience severe anaphylactic reactions when exposed to the allergen. Chestnut allergy can include wheezing, throat swelling and difficulty breathing [8].

Because the water chestnut is not a nut, there have been no reports of allergies to water chestnuts. Consult your doctor if you experience food allergy symptoms such as itching or swelling around the mouth after consuming water, chestnuts, or other foods.

taste and cuisine

Rather than another type of nut, chestnuts have a slightly sweet taste, similar to sweet potatoes. You can use chestnuts in desserts, baked goods, chocolate truffles, salads and fillings with cranberries or apples.

Water chestnuts are typically sweet, nutty, and tart at the same time. You can eat water chestnuts raw, boiled, roasted, grilled, pickled, or candied.

references

For many Americans, water chestnuts are synonymous with those boring and crunchy yellowed coins that come in cans and taste mostly of the water and citric acid they’re stored in. And if they’re the only kind you’ve ever tried, their totally unremarkable flavor may even be exactly what makes water chestnuts so appealing – like iceberg lettuce, they make a deliciously crunchy and deeply mild-tasting delivery system for any sauce or condiment you use they are dressed. But for those in the know, the canned specimens are nothing short of a farce.

How do freshwater chestnuts taste?

That’s because real water chestnuts — the fresh kind — are fantastically aromatic and downright fruity: sweet and nutty and tart at the same time, like a cross between coconut and apple, with the texture of an Asian pear. Tasted side by side, the two iterations have about as much in common as a hunk of tuna sashimi and a can of water-filled Chunk Light. “Freshwater chestnuts have a delicious crunch and delicate sweetness to their flavor that the canned version totally lacks,” says Fuchsia Dunlop, whose latest cookbook, Land of Fish and Rice: Recipes From the Culinary Heart of China.

For this reason, “canned water chestnuts are hardly an adequate substitute [for the fresh ones]” when it comes to cooking, writes Eileen Yin-Fei Lo in Mastering the Art of Chinese Cooking. She’s so dismissive of them that if you can’t find the fresh stuff, she suggests buying Jicama. Dunlop is a bit more forgiving, but only up to a point: “I think it’s okay to use canned water chestnuts if they’re a minor element in a dish that’s added to give a little crunch , instead of standing out on its own,” she says. “I occasionally use them in meatballs, for example. But if they’re a big part of a dish and you can’t get the fresh ones, I’d say make a different dish instead.”

Where can I buy them?

Fortunately, freshwater chestnuts are widely available in most Asian markets. Sold in tubs on the streets of Chinatown in New York City, a dark and gnarled mess caked with dried mud, the plant, Eleocharis dulcis, is native to the tropical wetlands of Asia, where its edible, bulbous corms thrive and breed at the water’s edge under long clumps of grassy sedges.* Once dug up, however, water chestnuts are susceptible to rot; With the vast majority being imported from China and Taiwan, seasoned buyers tend to hover over the onions, squeezing each one and picking only the very firmest of the lot.

*It’s worth noting that Eleocharis dulcis is unrelated to Trapa bicornis, also commonly known as water chestnut or water caltrop, which grows wild and has been classified as an aggressive invasive species in the United States.

What do I do with freshwater chestnuts?

A quick scrub under the running water turns the muddy nodules into smooth and shiny bulbs with dark purple-brown skin. Only then does their resemblance to the eponymous nut emerge. Luckily, peeling it is a lot easier than peeling real chestnuts — a paring knife or, even better, a Y-peeler will make short work of the skin, revealing the snow-white flesh inside. But if you’re not going to use your water chestnuts right away, there’s no rush to wash or peel them, notes Yin-Fei Lo. “Unpeeled, with bits of mud on the skin, they keep in a brown paper bag in the refrigerator for seven to 10 days,” she writes. Once rinsed and peeled, they’ll keep in a covered container for another 2-3 days, she adds.

However, once you’ve tasted a freshwater chestnut, you probably don’t need to worry about storing it for too long. That’s because they make an exceptional snack. “In China, freshwater chestnuts can be peeled and eaten: street vendors sell them skewered like a fresh, fruity doner kebab,” says Dunlop. It’s her favorite way to eat them, and having recently sifted through a bowl of crispy and juicy freshly peeled tubers, I understand why.

In contrast to the flavorful canned varieties, freshwater chestnuts are often used as the main ingredient in sweets in China. Around Lunar New Year, candied renditions are a popular treat, and if you’re lucky you might spot them pre-packaged at your local Asian grocery store. According to Yin-Fei Lo, the tubers can even be made into starch or flour for sweet cakes. And in Thailand and Vietnam, variations on a dessert called “rubies in coconut milk” find themselves colored red with food coloring, fruit juice, or alcohol and floating in a sweetened coconut milk broth.

But the most common use for water chestnuts remains savory cooked dishes. Yin-Fei Lo slices the tubers and lightly cooks them for stir-fried egg noodles and fried rice, usually adding them to the wok for just a minute or two before removing them from the heat. They’re a natural candidate for virtually any stir-fry, from Americanized Chinese takeout favorites to the lotus root, water chestnut, daylily bulb, and celery concoction Dunlop encountered in Suzhou—”the kind of subtle, lightly spiced dish I believe in.” not that you get typical American takeout that often,” she says. They can also be finely chopped and added to wontons, siu mai, and meatballs for a milder crunch.

If you can’t find a freshwater chestnut locally, don’t despair – you can order the bulbs online. It’s pricey (at least considering my local dealer sells them for as little as $2 a pound), but if you’re an intrepid gardener you can sprout a bulb or two in a bowl of water and pop them in a bathtub or plant a baby swimming pool. Just be sure to overwinter them indoors unless you live in a tropical climate. The growth cycle is slow – about six to seven months, all told – but they will multiply into dozens of tubers in that time. As for me? I’ll be tracking the vendor around the corner from my office so I can be sure to always have a batch of raw food when the mood hits.

tips

How long does an opened can of water chestnuts last? The exact answer depends in large part on storage conditions – keep opened water chestnuts refrigerated and tightly closed.

To maximize the shelf life of canned water chestnuts after opening, store in covered glass or plastic containers in the refrigerator.

How long do opened canned water chestnuts last in the fridge? Preserved water chestnuts that have been continuously refrigerated have a shelf life of about 1 week.

Are canned water chestnuts safe to use after the “use by” date on the package? Yes, provided they have been stored properly, the tin or packaging is undamaged and there are no signs of spoilage (see below) – commercially available canned water chestnuts will usually carry a ‘Best By’, ‘Best if Used By’, ‘Best Before” or “Best before” date, but this is not a safety date, it is the manufacturer’s estimate of how long the water chestnuts will remain at their peak quality.

Can you freeze canned water chestnuts? Preserved water chestnuts do not freeze well.

How can you tell if opened canned water chestnuts are bad or spoiled? It is best to smell and look at the water chestnuts: if the water chestnuts develop an unpleasant smell, taste or appearance, or if mold appears, they should be discarded.

Discard any canned water chestnuts or packaging that is leaking, rusting, warped, or badly dented.

Sources: For details on data sources used for food storage information, please click here

tips

How long do water chestnuts keep? The exact answer to this question depends in large part on storage conditions – keep water chestnuts refrigerated.

To maximize the shelf life of water chestnuts, store in plastic bags in the refrigerator.

How long do water chestnuts keep in the fridge? Properly stored, water chestnuts will keep in the fridge for about 7 to 10 days.

Can you freeze water chestnuts? Water chestnuts do not freeze well and freezing is not recommended for quality reasons.

How can you tell if water chestnuts are bad or spoiled? It’s best to smell and look at the water chestnuts: discard any water chestnuts that have an unpleasant smell or appearance; If mold appears, discard the water chestnuts.

Sources: For details on data sources used for food storage information, please click here

Water chestnuts are not the same chestnuts that you roast over an open fire. Derived from an aquatic plant native to China, they retain their crunchy texture when cooked. If you find white, crunchy vegetables in your Chinese takeaway, chances are they’re water chestnuts.

Freshwater chestnuts can be found in Asian markets all year round. These are these little purplish-brown nodules with some mud still on the skin. When buying freshwater chestnuts, squeeze each one and choose only the firmest, with smooth skin and no tender spots. Experienced buyers will advise you to always take a few more than you need, as you may still find some bad spots when peeling.

Unpeeled water chestnuts will keep in a brown paper bag in the refrigerator for up to a week. A quick peel of the muddy water chestnut reveals a shiny onion with dark brown skin that bears resemblance to the nut of the same name.

Tips For Eating Freshwater Chestnuts:

After a quick scrubbing, dry the water chestnuts in a kitchen towel so you have a firm grip on the small tuber when peeling.

To get to the bright white flesh, use a small knife to cut off the top and bottom. Then you can: peel the sides with a Y-peeler, or use a small knife to slice the dark brown skin into strips (like peeling an apple).

If you are not going to use the peeled water chestnuts immediately, store them covered in “fresh” water. They should keep in the fridge for about two to three days. However, remember to change the water daily to preserve the flavor and texture of the water chestnuts.

There are so many ways to enjoy fresh water chestnuts: You can simply eat the peeled water chestnuts as a snack. You can use whole, shelled water chestnuts to make bacon-wrapped water chestnuts, a more refreshing and cheaper alternative to bacon-wrapped oysters. You can slice them to make crispy meatballs or a quick stir-fry. You can toss as many freshwater chestnuts as you like in this sweet Chinese soup

Did you know?

If you like canned water chestnuts, be sure to try fresh water chestnuts as they are so much tastier.

Freshwater chestnuts are very crunchy and delicately sweet. They are popular snack foods in China, where you can sometimes find peeled freshwater chestnuts sold on sticks.

Some people object to storing peeled water chestnuts covered with water, as the water chestnuts will be soggy and taste less sweet.

In traditional Chinese medicine, water chestnuts are considered a cooling food. This water chestnut drink with sugar cane is a popular summer thirst quencher.

Have you ever heard of water chestnut flour? Freshwater chestnuts are peeled, boiled, dried, and then ground into flour. Well, it’s more of a starch than a flour. It is used to make water chestnut cake, a very popular dim sum and Chinese New Year staple.

If you’re still not sure if you’re ready to try these sweet little treats, watch this short video that shows you exactly how easy it is to peel freshwater chestnuts.

Have you already bought some freshly harvested chestnuts in the country or (more conveniently) in the supermarket in the first autumn months? If you end up with some leftover fresh chestnuts that you want to save, we’ve got all the information you need (plus some fun facts about their nutritional value).

The benefits of chestnuts

Chestnuts have many beneficial properties such as vitamin B and phosphorus that help balance the nervous system, while their high fiber content promotes regular digestion. Chestnuts are also a great source of folic acid, which doctors recommend during pregnancy for healthy fetal development. But be careful! Chestnuts are also very high in calories, so don’t overdo it. And if you want to enjoy the benefits of chestnuts all winter long, here are the most effective storage and preservation methods.

Store raw chestnuts in the refrigerator

Raw chestnuts can be stored in the fridge or freezer. In the first case, you must first soak the chestnuts for nine days, changing the water every day and discarding the chestnuts floating on the surface (called the “Novena method” in Italian). The chestnuts left after 9 days must be carefully dried and then placed in jute bags or wooden boxes in the refrigerator at maximum temperature to change their water daily and eliminate the floating chestnuts. The rest must be carefully dried and then placed in jute bags or wooden crates in the refrigerator at a maximum temperature of 3°C (+37°F). Chestnuts stored in this way can be kept for a maximum of 3 months.

Store chestnuts in the freezer

Before you freeze the chestnuts, be sure to remove the rotten ones. Finally, when you want to roast them, remove their skin. Clean well and place in freezer bags and freeze at -4°F (-20°C). Chestnuts can be frozen in this way for up to 12 months.

Store chestnuts in the sand

If you want to bury the chestnuts in sand to preserve them, you will need sand or sawdust and a very large container that can hold either. Here’s how: Form a first layer of sand, followed by a layer of chestnuts. Continue alternating layers of sand and chestnuts, finishing with a final layer of sand. Chestnuts can be kept for up to 2 months using this method.

Freeze cooked chestnuts

If you prefer to store already cooked chestnuts ready to eat, then first cook or roast them as usual. Then let cool and freeze in plastic bags. (If you roasted them, remove the skin.) These can last up to 6 months.

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