In the picturesque water towns of southern China, Suzhou is gearing up for a bumper harvest of a unique delicacy—fox nuts, often called "edible pearls" for their lustrous appearance and prized status.

Thriving in the region’s tranquil ponds and lakes, fox nuts are a signature aquatic crop of Jiangnan. Their broad, disc-like leaves blanket the water’s surface, dotted with vibrant purple flowers that eventually give way to seedpods. These pods, roughly the size of a fist, house glossy brown seeds with pearly-white kernels inside.

Much like real pearls, fox nuts are treasured for their rarity and labor-intensive production. Harvesting and processing them remain meticulous, hands-on crafts, resistant to mechanization. With their delicate fragrance and tender, chewy texture, fox nuts are a beloved ingredient in Chinese cuisine. Packed with nutrients, they are often called "the ginseng of the water" and have long been prized as a nourishing food. Locals use them in soups, stir-fries, and even sweet desserts, creating a variety of delightful dishes.

Suzhou boasts over 500 years of fox nut cultivation history. Thanks to this year's favorable weather, local farmers are optimistic about the upcoming yield. Are you ready to savor this exquisite Chinese specialty?