Water shield, also known as water shield, water chestnut and lake vegetable, is a perennial aquatic perennial herb. Sexually warm, suitable for the growth of clear water pools. Fibrous roots and leaves germinate from underground grape stems and send out 4-6 branches, forming clustered underwater stems and regenerated branches.
Dark green oval leaves alternate, about 6 to 10 cm long, with 1-2 leaves per node, floating on the water surface or diving, and there are colloidal transparent substances on the tender stems and leaves. A stem with dark red flowers in summer.
The tender leaves are edible, and the water shield itself has no taste, which is better than round, delicious and tender, and is one of the precious vegetables. Water shield is rich in carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. Eating water shield often has the health care function of both medicine and food. It is mainly produced in Shizhu, Chongqing, China, Taihu Basin, Jiangsu Province and Hubei Province. The tender branches with curly leaves are picked from late April to late June 10.
Nutritional value of water shield;
Water shield is rich in trace elements, amino acids, asparagine, fucose, arabinose, fructose and other nutrients. Rich zinc content makes water shield become the "king of zinc" in plants, which is one of the best foods for children to improve their intelligence and health, and can prevent and treat ADHD. Water shield is soft and tender, especially suitable for the elderly, children and people with weak digestive ability. About 30 grams per meal.
Water shield tastes delicious and is often used as soup, such as West Lake Water shield soup and water shield crucian carp soup. This dish can also be fried or cooked with crucian carp and tofu.