Water Chestnuts: Crunchy and Refreshing Aquatic Vegetable
Water chestnuts are crisp, mildly sweet tubers that grow underwater. They are low in calories but rich in fiber, potassium, and antioxidants.
What Are Water Chestnuts?
**Water chestnuts** (*Eleocharis dulcis*) are aquatic vegetables native to Asia. Despite their name, they are not nuts but crisp tubers that stay crunchy even after cooking, making them popular in Asian stir-fries, salads, and spring rolls.
Nutrition (per 100 g, raw)
- **Calories:** 97 kcal
- **Carbohydrates:** 24 g
- **Protein:** 1.4 g
- **Fat:** 0.1 g
- **Fiber:** 3 g
- **Potassium:** 584 mg
- **Vitamin B6:** 0.3 mg
Health Benefits
- **Low in fat and calories**, ideal for light meals.
- High in **fiber** and **potassium**, supporting heart health.
- Contains **antioxidants** that reduce inflammation.
- Promotes **hydration** due to high water content.
- Supports **healthy digestion**.
Culinary Uses
- Common in **stir-fries, spring rolls, and soups**.
- Adds **crunch and freshness** to dishes.
- Can be eaten **raw, boiled, or sautéed**.
- Used in **Chinese, Thai, and Indian cuisines**.
Summary
Water chestnuts are crisp, refreshing, and nutritious — a perfect addition to both savory and light meals.
- 1. Water Chestnuts
Water chestnuts (vodeni kesten): hrskavi i blago slatki gomolji koji rastu u vodi, bogati vlaknima, kalijem i vitaminom B6; često se koriste u azijskim jelima.