Water Chestnuts — “Snow Pears” Grown Beneath the Fields【Diān xī xiǎo gē】

Few people know that in the highland basins of Yunnan, excellent water chestnuts are hidden beneath the soil. Crisp, sweet, juicy, and remarkably smooth, they have a low-fibre texture and can be enjoyed both as fresh fruit and as an ingredient in savoury dishes.

Thanks to the high altitude, large temperature differences between day and night, fertile yellow soil, and mountain spring water flowing around the field ridges, these humble-looking water chestnuts grow plump and firm. Once washed and peeled, they are refreshingly crisp and juicy when eaten raw, and gently sweet and comforting when cooked. Whether stir-fried, simmered into a sweet soup, or distilled into water chestnut spirit, they bring a fresh highland flavour to every dish.

Hello, everyone! I am Dianxi Xiaoge, a Yunnan native.