After the local watercress came into season a few days ago, seven other edible aquatic plants followed suit and have hit the shelves in Suzhou.
The eight edible aquatic plants, or Shui Ba Xian, are traditional foods in southern Jiangsu and northern Zhejiang areas, which include wild rice stems, lotus roots, watercress, gorgon nuts, arrowheads, water chestnuts, water shields and water caltrops.
Although these foods are primarily used as side dishes on on the dining table, these eight edible aquatic plants are always on people's minds around this time of the year. Don't miss out on them if you want to taste the autumnal flavor of Suzhou.
Wild rice stems
Recommended dish: Braised Wild Rice Stem
It is a well-known family dish in Suzhou.
Wild rice stem before being braised. [Photo/WeChat account: gh_d77710599eaa]
Lotus root
Recommended dish: Steamed Lotus Root Stuffed with Glutinous Rice
This is a cold dish that Suzhou locals mostly order at a restaurant.
Steamed lotus root stuffed with glutinous rice. [Photo/WeChat account: isuzhou365]
Watercress
Recommended dish: Sautéed Shredded Pork with Watercress
Watercress can are usually dressed with sauced and stir-fried with meat, such as pork, or other vegetables to create a crunchy and tender texture as well as a unique aroma.
A farmer harvests watercress in Suzhou. [Photo/WeChat account: wuzhongfabu]
Gorgon nut
Recommended dish: Gorgon Nut Syrup
Freeze shelled gorgon nuts for storage and melt them before cooking. Suzhou people like to add gorgon nuts and rock candy in water and boil them together.
Local residents shell gorgon nuts. [Photo/WeChat account: isuzhou365]
Arrowhead
Recommended dish: Sliced Arrowhead
With a texture similar to potato chips, sliced arrowhead is a popular common snack among Suzhou locals.
Arrowheads. [Photo/WeChat account: isuzhou365]
Water chestnut
Recommended dish: Raw or stir-fried with other foods
Water chestnuts. [Photo/WeChat account: isuzhou365]
Water shield
Recommended dish: Water Shield Soup
The soup has a silky-smooth texture.
Water shield soup. [Photo/WeChat account: isuzhou365]
Water caltrop
Recommended dish: Eaten raw or stir-fried with other foods.
Water caltrops. [Photo/WeChat account: isuzhou365]
