Songjiang Red Water Chestnuts

Songjiang Red Water Chestnuts

　　According to the *Songjiang Prefecture Records*, as early as the Ming and Qing dynasties, there was a place called Caochangbang in Yancun, northwest of Songjiang City. This area, with its low-lying land and numerous waterways, had clean water and was abundant in water chestnuts. They came in two colors, red and green. One variety, known as “Parrot Green” and commonly called “Waist Water Chestnut,” and another called “Wild Goose Red,” which matures early and is suitable for eating raw, could be enjoyed as a fruit, or used in cooking. The shells are bright red and shiny, commonly known as “Water Red Water Chestnuts,” and because of their ingot-like shape, they are also called “Ingot Red.” Due to the bright red shells and ingot shape of the Caochangbang Red Water Chestnuts, they symbolize “prosperity” and “good fortune.” Especially since the flesh is tender, white, sweet, and crisp—very delicious—and also has benefits such as relieving summer heat, quenching thirst, invigorating the stomach, and boosting energy, they are regarded as a delicacy and have become one of the four famous local specialties of Songjiang throughout history.

As early as 1972, Japanese Prime Minister Kakuei Tanaka tasted these water chestnuts during his visit to Shanghai and spoke very highly of them, making them famous both at home and abroad ever since.

Storage: 2 days at room temperature, 1 week refrigerated

How to eat: Eat raw after shelling, or stir-fry, stew, etc.

Notes: Purchase requires a 2-day advance reservation