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Water Chestnut

The water chestnut, resembles a chestnut in color and shape, is also known as the Chinese water caltrop. This tuber is commonly associated with Chinese cooking, but is finding its way into other ethnic meals.

Hailing from Southeast Asia, water chestnuts are actually roots of an aquatic plant that grows in freshwater ponds, marshes, lakes, and in slow-moving rivers and streams. These roots are commonly grown in Japan, Taiwan, China, Thailand, and sometimes in Australia.

Water chestnut harvesting is laborious, making them somewhat expensive to purchase. Processed and canned water chestnuts widely found in most supermarkets. However, fresh water chestnuts, are more difficult to find, but are becoming more available.

If you find fresh water chestnuts, select those that are firm with no signs of wrinkling. These will need to be peeled prior to eating and cooking. Stored fresh tubers need to be wrapped tightly in a plastic bag for up to one week.

Canned, unopened water chestnuts will store indefinitely. Once opened, canned tubers will keep up to one week in a bowl of water. Be sure to change the water daily for the ‘freshest’ product.

Serving Size (62g)
Amounts Per Serving - % Daily Value*

Calories 30 
Calories from Fat 0 
Total Fat 0g - 0%
Sodium 5mg - 0%
Cholesterol 0mg - 0%
Total Carbohydrate 8g - 3%
  Dietary Fiber 3g - 12%
  Sugars 1g 
Protein 1g
Vitamin A 0%
Vitamin C 0%
Calcium 0%
Iron 90%

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.