Water chestnuts are a staple food in my pantry and once you try them they will be in yours as well! They have a slightly sweet, fresh flavor, and a really crunchy texture. You can buy them canned, or – in some grocery stores – fresh!
Water chestnuts are from an aquatic plant and retain their crunchy texture when cooked. They work really well in stir-fried dishes and can easily be added to all stir fries including my Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry (Video). You can also add them to things like Chicken Salad, or perhaps you have even tried them wrapped in bacon.
When you buy the canned variety of water chestnuts they are available whole or sliced. They are packed in water which needs to get drained off before adding them to a recipe.
If you are buying fresh water chestnuts they should be firm, with smooth skin and no soft spots.
To remove the soft outer shell/skin of the water chestnut start by cutting off the top and bottom with a sharp knife.
Then cut around the sides until all the skin is removed.
You can then leave it whole, slice it, or chop it depending on what your recipe calls for.
Once peeled, water chestnuts will keep about a week in the refrigerator, but they must be covered in fresh water. The water must get changed daily.
(One more thing, be sure not to confuse water chestnuts with chestnuts from a tree. Chestnuts roasting on an open fire, Jack Frost nipping…are definitely a totally different food from the water chestnuts!)
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FAQs
To remove the soft outer shell/skin of the water chestnut start by cutting off the top and bottom with a sharp knife. Then cut around the sides until all the skin is removed. You can then leave it whole, slice it, or chop it depending on what your recipe calls for.
Do water chestnuts need to be peeled? ›
They can be easily peeled with a paring knife or a vegetable peeler. Unless they are being used immediately, the water chestnuts do not need to be peeled right away. If water chestnuts are fresh and unpeeled, they can last from 7 to 10 days in an enclosed paper bag in the refrigerator.
Are water chestnuts better whole or sliced? ›
Canned water chestnuts are offered either whole or sliced. If you don't mind cutting them yourself, buy the whole as they will have a crunchier texture.
Why can't I peel chestnuts? ›
Soak the scored chestnuts in hot water for at least two hours and up to overnight in the fridge. The longer you soak them, the easier it will be to peel.
Can I eat water chestnuts raw? ›
Water chestnuts can be eaten raw but this is not advisable as some might come with disease from the water in which they grew.
Are canned water chestnuts good for you? ›
Water chestnuts are aquatic vegetables that are nutritious and delicious. They are a great source of antioxidants and other compounds that may help prevent diseases linked with age, such as heart disease and cancer. Water chestnuts are also highly versatile and can be added to a variety of dishes.
Do you rinse canned water chestnuts? ›
Open the can of water chestnuts and pour them into a colander or strainer. Give them a thorough rinse under cold water to remove any residual canning liquid. This step helps to remove excess sodium and enhances the overall flavor of the water chestnuts.
What are the side effects of water chestnuts? ›
Side Effects of Singhara:
Because of its high fibre content, overeating water chestnuts might give you stomach problems. A sudden increase in dietary fibre may cause stomach pain and gas. Therefore, stick to moderate amounts and avoid overeating.
Why are water chestnuts so expensive? ›
Water chestnuts must be hand-harvested and processed; therefore, they are somewhat expensive. However, since a little goes a long way, water chestnuts are not too dear to be used often.
Do you peel chestnuts hot or cold? ›
Peel chestnuts while they are still warm because they can sometimes be a little bit tricky to peel when cooled. Once cooked, remove chestnuts from the heat and wrap in a clean tea towel for 5 to 10 minutes and then quickly peel off the outer brown shell and remove the papery thin skin underneath.
Cooking Chestnuts in Microwave
- Slash crosswise through the skin on the flat end of the chestnut shell.
- In a glass pie plate, arrange 20-24 chestnuts in an even layer.
- Microwave on high for 3-4 minutes, stirring every minute until the chestnuts are soft when squeezed.
- Let stand for five minutes.
- Peel the shells.
The soaking period allows the shells to fill up with water. The water in turn produces a steaming effect when the chestnuts roast, forcing the shells to burst away from the nut. Many recipes and tips I've encountered throughout my cooking life call for a brief soak, 30 minutes or so.
Why do water chestnuts stay crunchy when cooked? ›
You can eat water chestnuts raw, boiled, grilled, pickled, or from a can. The corms are unique because they remain crisp even after being cooked or canned, due to their ferulic acid content.
How do factories peel chestnuts? ›
CHESTNUTS STEAM PEELING
The chestnuts pass through a multi blade shell-scorer to be sent to a steam peeling machine. The chestnuts at output result peeled and ready to be frozen.
