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Pickled Water Chestnut
Vegetables
Nutri-ScoreA

Pickled Water Chestnut

Eleocharis dulcis

Clinical Encyclopedia

Pickled water chestnuts are crunchy, aquatic tubers that are often used in Asian cuisine. They are known for their crisp texture and ability to absorb flavors from other ingredients.

Also known as:
Water Chestnut (USA)Singhara (India)
Scientific NameEleocharis dulcis
Region of OriginChina

Macronutrient Ratio

Caloric distribution of primary energy metrics per 100g

Calories97 kcal
Water
90%
Fiber3g
Total26.5g
Protein
2.4g(9%)
Fats
0.2g(1%)
Carbohydrates
23.9g(90%)

Micronutrient DV% Score

Top vitamins and minerals ranked by percentage of Daily Recommended Value

Vitamins (DV%)
Minerals (DV%)

Complete Micronutrient Breakdown

Detailed concentration of essential micronutrients per 100g serving.

Vitamins

Major Source (≥ 2% DV)
Vitamin C4 mg (4%)
Vitamin b1 (thiamine)0.1 mg (8%)
Vitamin b2 (riboflavin)0.02 mg (2%)
Vitamin b3 (niacin)0.4 mg (3%)
Vitamin b5 (pantothenic acid)0.2 mg (4%)
Vitamin b6 (pyridoxine)0.1 mg (6%)
Folate19 mcg (5%)
Vitamins with less than 2% DV
Vitamin K: 0.2 mcg

Minerals

Major Source (≥ 2% DV)
Calcium18 mg (2%)
Iron0.4 mg (2%)
Magnesium23 mg (6%)
Phosphorus34 mg (5%)
Potassium420 mg (12%)
Zinc0.2 mg (2%)
Copper0.1 mg (11%)
Manganese0.2 mg (10%)
Minerals with less than 2% DV
Selenium: 0.2 mcg

Health Benefits

Rich in antioxidants, pickled water chestnuts can help combat oxidative stress and reduce inflammation in the body.
High in dietary fiber, they support digestive health and can aid in maintaining a healthy weight.

Possible Risks & Side Effects

!No clinically significant precautions or contraindications have been documented for this food in standard dietary intake.

How to Prepare & Consume

Best enjoyed in salads, stir-fries, or as a crunchy topping for various dishes. Rinse before use to remove excess brine.

Smart Selection & Storage

How to Select

Choose firm, unblemished water chestnuts with a smooth skin. Avoid those that are soft or have dark spots.

How to Store

Store in a cool, dry place or refrigerate after opening to maintain freshness.

Medicinal Profile & Bioactive Compounds

Therapeutic properties, key bioactive compounds, and clinical applications of this food.

Medicinal Properties
AntioxidantDigestive aid
Main Applications
Culinary use in Asian dishes
Nutritional supplement for digestive health
Bioactive Compounds
Flavonoids

Known for their antioxidant properties, flavonoids help reduce inflammation and protect against chronic diseases.

How to Consume
Fresh, Pickled, Canned
Did you know?

"Water chestnuts are not actually nuts but tubers that grow underwater, making them unique among vegetables."

Myths vs Realities

MythPickled water chestnuts are high in calories.
RealityThey are low in calories and can be a healthy snack option.
MythWater chestnuts are nuts.
RealityThey are actually aquatic tubers, not nuts.
MythPickled water chestnuts are unhealthy due to high sodium.
RealityWhile they can be high in sodium, moderation is key, and they offer many health benefits.

Healthy Recipes

Pickled Water Chestnut Salad with Avocado

A refreshing salad featuring crunchy pickled water chestnuts, creamy avocado, and a zesty lime dressing, perfect for a light lunch.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup pickled water chestnuts, sliced
  • 1 ripe avocado, diced
  • 2 cups mixed greens
  • 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, pickled water chestnuts, avocado, and cherry tomatoes.
  2. 2. In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  3. 3. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine before serving.

Spicy Pickled Water Chestnut Stir-Fry

A quick stir-fry with vibrant vegetables and spicy pickled water chestnuts for a crunchy and flavorful dish.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup pickled water chestnuts, sliced
  • 1 bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
  1. 1. Heat sesame oil in a skillet over medium heat and add garlic, cooking until fragrant.
  2. 2. Add broccoli and bell pepper, stir-frying for about 5 minutes until tender-crisp.
  3. 3. Stir in pickled water chestnuts and soy sauce, sprinkle with red pepper flakes, and cook for an additional 2 minutes.

Pickled Water Chestnut and Quinoa Bowl

A nutritious bowl packed with protein-rich quinoa, pickled water chestnuts, and colorful veggies, drizzled with a tahini dressing.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa
  • 1/2 cup pickled water chestnuts, diced
  • 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
  • 1/4 cup shredded carrots
  • 2 tablespoons tahini
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Water to thin
Instructions
  1. 1. In a bowl, combine cooked quinoa, pickled water chestnuts, cucumber, and shredded carrots.
  2. 2. In a separate bowl, mix tahini, lemon juice, and enough water to achieve a pourable consistency.
  3. 3. Drizzle the tahini dressing over the quinoa bowl and toss to combine.

Pickled Water Chestnut and Shrimp Spring Rolls

Light and fresh spring rolls filled with shrimp, pickled water chestnuts, and crisp vegetables, served with a peanut dipping sauce.

Ingredients
  • 8 rice paper wrappers
  • 1 cup cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1/2 cup pickled water chestnuts, sliced
  • 1 cup lettuce leaves
  • 1/2 cup mint leaves
  • 1/4 cup peanut butter
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
Instructions
  1. 1. Soak rice paper wrappers in warm water until soft, then lay flat on a clean surface.
  2. 2. Layer shrimp, pickled water chestnuts, lettuce, and mint on each wrapper, then roll tightly.
  3. 3. Mix peanut butter and soy sauce for dipping and serve alongside the spring rolls.

Pickled Water Chestnut and Tofu Salad

A protein-packed salad featuring marinated tofu, crunchy pickled water chestnuts, and a sesame dressing for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients
  • 1 block firm tofu, cubed
  • 1 cup pickled water chestnuts, sliced
  • 2 cups spinach
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce
  • Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
  1. 1. Sauté cubed tofu in sesame oil until golden brown, then let cool.
  2. 2. In a bowl, combine spinach, pickled water chestnuts, and cooled tofu.
  3. 3. Whisk together rice vinegar and soy sauce, drizzle over the salad, and sprinkle with sesame seeds.

Pickled Water Chestnut and Chickpea Curry

A hearty and flavorful curry featuring chickpeas and pickled water chestnuts, simmered in a spiced coconut sauce.

Ingredients
  • 1 can chickpeas, drained
  • 1 cup pickled water chestnuts, sliced
  • 1 can coconut milk
  • 1 tablespoon curry powder
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. Sauté onion and garlic in a pot until softened, then stir in curry powder.
  2. 2. Add chickpeas, pickled water chestnuts, and coconut milk, bringing to a simmer.
  3. 3. Cook for 15 minutes, seasoning with salt before serving.

Pickled Water Chestnut and Cucumber Sushi Rolls

Delicious sushi rolls filled with pickled water chestnuts and cucumber, offering a unique twist on traditional sushi.

Ingredients
  • 2 cups sushi rice, cooked
  • 4 sheets nori
  • 1 cup pickled water chestnuts, sliced
  • 1 cucumber, julienned
  • Soy sauce for dipping
Instructions
  1. 1. Lay a sheet of nori on a bamboo mat and spread a thin layer of sushi rice over it.
  2. 2. Place pickled water chestnuts and cucumber in a line along the bottom edge of the rice.
  3. 3. Roll tightly, slice into pieces, and serve with soy sauce.

Pickled Water Chestnut and Apple Slaw

A crunchy slaw combining pickled water chestnuts and crisp apples, tossed in a light vinaigrette for a perfect side dish.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup pickled water chestnuts, sliced
  • 1 apple, julienned
  • 2 cups shredded cabbage
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. In a bowl, combine shredded cabbage, pickled water chestnuts, and apple.
  2. 2. In a separate bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  3. 3. Pour the vinaigrette over the slaw and toss to combine.

Pickled Water Chestnut and Egg Breakfast Bowl

A nutritious breakfast bowl featuring pickled water chestnuts, scrambled eggs, and sautéed spinach for a healthy start to your day.

Ingredients
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup pickled water chestnuts, diced
  • 1 cup spinach
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté spinach until wilted.
  2. 2. Add pickled water chestnuts and cook for another minute.
  3. 3. Pour in beaten eggs, stirring until cooked through, and season with salt and pepper.

Pickled Water Chestnut and Lentil Soup

A comforting soup made with lentils, pickled water chestnuts, and aromatic spices, perfect for a nourishing meal.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup lentils, rinsed
  • 1 cup pickled water chestnuts, sliced
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. In a pot, sauté onion and carrots until softened.
  2. 2. Add lentils, pickled water chestnuts, vegetable broth, and cumin, bringing to a boil.
  3. 3. Reduce heat and simmer for 25-30 minutes until lentils are tender, seasoning with salt and pepper.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Are pickled water chestnuts healthy?

Yes, they are low in calories and high in fiber, making them a healthy addition to meals.

How do you store pickled water chestnuts?

Keep them in the refrigerator after opening, and consume within a few weeks for best quality.

Can you eat pickled water chestnuts raw?

Yes, they can be eaten raw, but they are often cooked or added to dishes for flavor.

What dishes can I use pickled water chestnuts in?

They are great in salads, stir-fries, and as toppings for soups.

Do pickled water chestnuts contain gluten?

No, they are naturally gluten-free.

Are there any allergens in pickled water chestnuts?

They are generally safe, but check for added ingredients in the pickling process.

How long do pickled water chestnuts last?

When stored properly in the fridge, they can last several weeks.

Can I make my own pickled water chestnuts?

Yes, you can pickle fresh water chestnuts at home using vinegar and spices.