At present, water caltrops sell for RMB10 yuan per 500 grams across Suzhou markets. In about a week or so, they will be available in large numbers.

Also known as “Suzhou red”, water caltrop is one of the “eight aquatic foods” of Suzhou. Most people choose to eat it raw. It is sweet and crunchy, and can clear away summer heat. After cooked, it may not be that sweet but will taste more soft. It can be stir-fried with lotus root, meat and shrimp, or added into rice porridge.