Water caltrops from Ce Lake

Water caltrops from Ce Lake

　　Water caltrop is an annual aquatic herbaceous plant, also known as "water peanut." Its fruit, the "water caltrop," is a nut that hangs beneath dense foliage in the water and can only be seen by uprooting the entire plant and turning it upside down. It matures in autumn, becoming hard. Wild water caltrops, if not harvested, gradually detach from the stems and sink to the bottom of the lake, where they germinate the following year. Typically, seedbeds are prepared in February as spring begins, where seedlings are densely cultivated. By early summer, around late May to early June after the first rice harvest, rice fields are plowed, ridged, and flooded, then water caltrop seedlings are transplanted.

　　Water caltrop is an annual herbaceous aquatic plant, also called "water peanut." Its fruit, the "water caltrop," is a nut that dangles underwater beneath thick leaves and can only be spotted by lifting the whole plant and turning it over. It ripens in autumn, hardening as it matures. Wild water caltrops, if left unpicked, gradually fall off their stems and sink to the lake bottom, where they sprout the next year. Usually, seedling nurseries are set up after February when spring arrives, where seedlings are intensively raised. By early summer, from late May to early June after the first rice harvest, the paddy fields are prepared, ridged, and flooded, and water caltrop seedlings are transplanted.

　　There are many varieties of water caltrops. Cultivated ones can be as large as matchboxes, while wild ones are smaller, some no bigger than a fingernail. They come in green, red, and purple. With crisp skins and delicious flesh, they are considered a fine fruit and can also serve as a food staple. They are usually eaten steamed or boiled, or dried, crushed into fine bits, and cooked into porridge.

　　The water caltrop symbolizes "having clear principles" or "being outspoken" in Chinese culture.

　　Nutritional Value

　　Water caltrops are rich in starch, protein, glucose, unsaturated fatty acids, and various vitamins such as B1, B2, C, carotene, as well as trace elements like calcium, phosphorus, and iron. Ancient people believed that eating water caltrops could nourish internal organs, cure various ailments, and help reduce body weight—essentially acting as a slimming and beautifying agent—since water caltrops contain no fat that contributes to weight gain. According to *Compendium of Materia Medica*, water caltrops can strengthen the spleen and stomach, fortify knees and legs, boost energy and vitality, and water caltrop powder porridge benefits the gastrointestinal tract, relieves internal heat, and is good for the elderly. Modern pharmacological studies have reported that water caltrops have certain anti-cancer properties and can help prevent and treat cancers such as esophageal, gastric, and uterine cancer. One method is to boil 20 raw water caltrops in an appropriate amount of water over low heat until a dark brown concentrated broth is formed, and consume it three times a day; alternatively, 100 grams of water caltrop flesh can be cooked with 30 grams of coix seeds into porridge.

　　Special Culinary Uses

　　Fresh water caltrop stems, commonly called "caltrop seedlings," are often mistaken for ordinary aquatic weeds, but they are far more versatile, particularly in terms of edible value. For example, fresh caltrop seedlings can be washed, chopped, mashed into a paste, and mixed with meat filling to make buns. Once steamed, they are delicious with a lingering aftertaste. Combined with the aroma of the meat filling, they are truly mouthwatering. Similarly, chopped caltrop seedlings can be mixed with raw meat, tofu, greens, and other ingredients to make caltrop seedling balls, a genuine folk delicacy. As an aquatic plant, the water caltrop is truly a treasure trove of uses.

　　Other

　　Water caltrops can help calm sexual desire in both men and women. *Dietary Therapy Materia Medica* states: “Among all fruits from water, this one is the most cooling. Eating it when chilled harms yang energy and may cause the male organ to weaken.”

　　Water caltrops are beneficial for the elderly. According to modern pharmacological experiments, water caltrops have certain anti-cancer effects and can help prevent and treat cancers such as esophageal, gastric, and uterine cancer.

　　Eating Tips

　　Consume 50–80 grams at a time. When eaten raw, tender water caltrops are superior for their freshness and crispness; when cooked, older caltrops are better for their snow-white, jade-like texture.

　　Suitable For

　　Generally suitable for all people.

　　Therapeutic Effects

　　Water caltrops taste sweet and astringent, with a neutral nature. They help strengthen the spleen and stomach, fortify knees and legs, and enhance vitality. Water caltrops also inhibit the mutation and proliferation of cancer cells.

　　Eating Advice

　　1. Eating too many raw water caltrops may harm the spleen and stomach; it's better to eat them cooked.

　　2. Water caltrop porridge benefits the gastrointestinal tract and helps relieve internal heat.

　　Water Caltrops – Fasciolopsis buski Infection

　　Introduction

　　Autumn is the season for harvesting water caltrops and water chestnuts. Freshly picked, they are tender and irresistible, often leading people to eat them directly. This greatly increases the risk of infection by *Fasciolopsis buski*, a parasite that lives on water caltrops and water chestnuts. The parasite resides in the human small intestine and can cause digestive and systemic symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhea. In severe cases, it may lead to anemia, edema, and growth impairment.

　　Expert Advice:

　　Avoid eating water caltrops, water chestnuts, or lotus roots raw, and do not bite into their skins. If eaten raw, they must be thoroughly washed and rubbed, then soaked in boiling water for several minutes or dried in the sun for a day before consumption. Maintain hygiene: avoid drinking unboiled water, wash hands after touching aquatic plants or contaminated water to prevent infection by parasitic cysts.