With a horn-like shell and white flesh inside, the water chestnut is a beloved staple of southern China’s waterways. As autumn sets in, these aquatic treats flood markets from the Jiangnan region all the way down to Guangdong.

Shaoxing’s signature red water chestnuts stand out with their vibrant shells and snow-white meat—crunchy, subtly sweet, and bursting with freshness. One bite instantly evokes the misty serenity of a lotus-covered pond at dawn. Larger and meatier than most varieties, they’re a star ingredient in Jiangzhe home cooking, often stir-fried with water bamboo shoots to amplify their delicate umami.

Ancient Chinese texts praised water chestnuts as a nutrient-dense superfood, believed to strengthen vitality and promote longevity. Low in calories yet satisfying, they’re also a modern dieter’s dream. With peak season now underway, why not give this seasonal gem a try?