Water chestnut – the “savior” for clearing dampness and cooling the lungs during seasonal transitions
Spring has arrived at the doorstep, bringing warm weather and the transformation of nature. However, after a long winter, many people still feel sluggish, with a dry mouth and an uncomfortable throat. If you are experiencing this as well, do not worry. Right in spring, there is an inexpensive, easy-to-find seasonal ingredient that offers numerous health benefits.
This food can be eaten raw to help clear dampness and detoxify the body, while cooking it nourishes the lungs and soothes seasonal dryness. Best of all, it is very affordable: just a few thousand dong can buy enough for a meal. Eating just a few pieces a day will leave you feeling lighter and more refreshed in early spring. That is the water chestnut, a familiar yet cherished gift of the season.
Water chestnut: rustic yet packed with health benefits
According to nutritionist Le Thi Tuyet (based in Hanoi), water chestnuts are round, with white, crisp, and juicy flesh, and a refreshing mild sweet taste. They are considered a "precious ingredient" during seasonal transitions. Water chestnuts are rich in water and dietary fiber.
When eaten raw, they fully retain their nutrients, helping to clear dampness and heat accumulated in the body and relieving dry mouth and throat commonly experienced during the winter-to-spring transition. When cooked, water chestnuts become milder, helping to moisten the lungs, clear phlegm, and support spleen and stomach functions, making them very suitable for the dry weather of early spring. This food is well-suited for both the elderly and young children.
So how can you properly enjoy water chestnuts and preserve all their natural flavor?
Below are 2 simple, easy-to-make preparation methods at home: Eating raw to detoxify the body and cooking to nourish the lungs. The steps are clear, so even novice cooks can easily follow them.
Fresh water chestnut salad (eating raw helps detoxify the body)
Ingredients: 5-6 fresh water chestnuts, a little honey (optional).
Instructions:
First, take fresh water chestnuts and use a soft brush to thoroughly scrub the outer skin multiple times to completely remove dirt and impurities. Then use a knife to peel off the tough skin, revealing the plump, crisp white flesh inside. Once prepared, the water chestnuts can be plated directly and eaten raw. This dish is crunchy, sweet, and refreshing, offering great benefits in clearing dampness and detoxifying the body. If you prefer a richer sweetness, you can add a drizzle of honey and toss gently before serving.
Water chestnut and snow pear lung-nourishing soup (a tonic dish)
Ingredients: 4 water chestnuts, 1 pear, sugarcane, rock sugar (to taste), 500 ml water.
Instructions:
Wash and peel the water chestnuts, then cut into small pieces. Wash, peel, core the pear, and peel the sugarcane, cutting both into pieces. Put all ingredients into a pot, add water, and turn up the heat, stirring gently to blend the ingredients. Once boiling, reduce the heat and simmer for about 15 minutes to fully extract the nutrients. Finally, add an adequate amount of rock sugar, cook until fully dissolved, and turn off the heat. This sweet soup is best enjoyed warm to support lung health.