Water chestnut – a "savior" that clears dampness and cools the lungs during seasonal transitions
Spring has arrived at the door, bringing warm weather and the transformation of all things. However, after a long winter, not a few people still feel heavy in their bodies, with dry mouths and uncomfortable throats. If you are also experiencing this condition, do not worry too much. Right in spring, there is an in-season ingredient that is both cheap and easy to find, while bringing many health benefits.
This food can be eaten raw to help clear dampness and detoxify the body; when cooked, it nourishes the lungs and soothes the dry sensation. In particular, the cost is very affordable: with just a few thousand dong, you can buy enough for a meal. Just eating a few pieces every day, you will feel your body lighter and more comfortable during the early days of spring. That is the water chestnut (củ năng or củ mã thầy), a familiar yet very precious gift of this season.
The rustic water chestnut brings many health benefits
According to nutritionist Dr. Lê Thị Tuyết (working in Hanoi), the water chestnut has a round shape, white, crisp, and juicy flesh, with a refreshing sweet taste. It is considered a "precious ingredient" during seasonal transitions. Water chestnuts contain plenty of water and fiber.
When eaten raw, they fully retain their nutrients, helping to clear dampness and heat accumulated in the body, supporting the reduction of dry mouth and dry throat often encountered when transitioning from winter to spring. When cooked, water chestnuts become milder, acting to moisten the lungs, eliminate phlegm, and support spleen-stomach functions, which is very suitable for the dry weather of early spring. This food is suitable for both the elderly and young children.
So how should you enjoy water chestnuts properly and preserve all of their natural flavor?
Below are 2 simple ways to prepare them that are easy to do at home: Eating raw to detoxify the body and cooking to nourish the lungs. The steps are all clear, so even people who rarely cook can follow them.
Fresh water chestnut salad (eating raw helps detoxify the body)
Ingredients: 5-6 fresh water chestnuts, a little honey (optional)
Cách làm:
First, take the fresh water chestnuts and use a soft brush to scrub the outer skin thoroughly several times to completely remove dirt and impurities. Then use a knife to peel off the hard skin, revealing the plump, white flesh inside. After preparation, the water chestnuts can be plated directly and eaten raw. This dish tastes crunchy, sweet, and cool, offering great effectiveness in clearing dampness and detoxifying. If you prefer a richer sweetness, you can add a little honey and toss gently before serving.
Lung-nourishing water chestnut and snow pear soup (a body-nourishing dish)
Ingredients: 4 water chestnuts, 1 pear, sugarcane, rock sugar (to taste), 500 ml water
Cách làm:
Wash the water chestnuts thoroughly, peel them, and cut them into small pieces. Wash, peel, core, and cut the pear and sugarcane into pieces as well. Place all ingredients into a pot, add water, turn up to high heat, and stir gently so the ingredients blend together. When the water boils, lower the heat and simmer for about 15 minutes so the nutrients are completely released. Finally, add an appropriate amount of rock sugar, cook until fully dissolved, and turn off the stove. The soup should be enjoyed while hot for lung health benefits.