Water chestnut is a nutritious and refreshing vegetable, rich in protein, dietary fiber, potassium, magnesium, calcium and other nutrients, which is good for promoting digestion, lowering blood pressure, and preventing cardiovascular diseases. However, the quality and safety of water chestnuts are also of great concern. How to buy and cook water chestnuts to be safer and healthier? Here are some precautions and procedures for you.
One, buy water chestnuts
1. Appearance: the appearance of water chestnuts should be smooth, no spots, no damage, no rot, no mold and other defects, the color should be light yellow or light green.
2. Feel: The feel of water chestnuts should be hard and elastic, if it is soft to the touch, it means that the water chestnuts have expired or the quality is not good.
3. Odor: The smell of water chestnuts should be fresh and fragrant, if there is an odor or sour taste, it means that the water chestnuts have deteriorated.
Two, cooking water chestnuts
1. Cleaning: rinse water chestnuts with water, remove the surface of the sediment and impurities, and then use a knife to cut off the ends.
2. Slicing: Cut the water chestnuts into thin slices or small pieces, which can be used to cook water chestnut soup, water chestnut stir-fry and other dishes.
3. Blanch: Blanch the water chestnuts in boiling water, don't blanch them for too long, usually only 1-2 minutes, then fish them out and put them in cold water to cool.
4. Cook: Put the blanched water chestnuts into a pot, add the right amount of water and salt, and cook them.
Three, water chestnut food taboos
1. Water chestnut should not be eaten raw, because water chestnut contains water chestnut alkali, raw food will stimulate the stomach and intestines.
2. Water chestnut should not be eaten with foods rich in vitamin C, because water chestnut contains water chestnut acid, which will destroy the nutrients of vitamin C.
3. Water chestnut should not be consumed in excess because it contains some water chestnut alkali, which will burden the liver if consumed in excess.