Eat it raw to detox, cook it to nourish the lu.ngs: Widely available at markets for just a few dollar—enough for a full meal

Just a few bites a day can help you feel lighter and more refreshed in the early days of spring.

Spring has arrived, bringing warmer weather and the renewal of nature. However, after a long winter, many people still feel sluggish, with dry mouths and irritated throats. If you’re experiencing this, don’t worry. This spring, there’s a seasonal ingredient that’s inexpensive, easy to find, and packed with health benefits.

This food can be eaten raw to help clear dampness and detoxify the body; when cooked, it helps nourish the lungs and soothe dryness. Best of all, it’s very affordable—just a few thousand dong is enough for a satisfying portion. Eating just a few pieces each day can help you feel lighter and more comfortable during the early days of spring. It’s water chestnut (also known as Chinese water chestnut), a humble yet valuable gift of the season.

A simple food with impressive health benefits

According to nutritionist Dr. Lê Thị Tuyết (Hanoi), water chestnuts are round, with crisp, juicy white flesh and a mildly sweet, refreshing taste. They are considered a “precious ingredient” during seasonal transitions. Water chestnuts are rich in water and fiber.

When eaten raw, they retain their full nutritional value, helping to clear accumulated dampness and heat from the body and relieve common symptoms like dry mouth and throat during the transition from winter to spring. When cooked, they become milder and help moisten the lungs, reduce phlegm, and support digestive function—making them especially suitable for the dry weather of early spring. This food is suitable for both the elderly and children.

How to enjoy water chestnuts properly while preserving their natural flavor

Below are two simple, easy-to-make recipes you can prepare at home: eat them raw for detoxification or cook them to nourish the lungs. The steps are straightforward—even those who rarely cook can follow them.

Fresh Water Chestnut Salad (eat raw for detox)

Ingredients:

• 5–6 fresh water chestnuts

• A little honey (optional)

Instructions:

First, scrub the water chestnuts thoroughly with a soft brush to remove all dirt and impurities from the outer skin. Then use a knife to peel off the tough brown skin, revealing the white, juicy flesh inside. After preparation, they can be served directly and eaten raw. The taste is crisp, sweet, and refreshing, helping to clear dampness and detoxify the body. If you prefer a sweeter flavor, drizzle a little honey and toss gently before serving.

Water Chestnut and Snow Pear Soup (lung-nourishing dish)

Ingredients:

• 4 water chestnuts

• 1 pear

• Sugarcane

• Rock sugar (to taste)

• 500 ml water

Instructions:

Wash and peel the water chestnuts, then cut them into small pieces. Wash and peel the pear and sugarcane, remove the pear core, and cut everything into chunks. Place all the ingredients in a pot, add water, and bring to a boil over high heat, stirring gently to combine. Once boiling, reduce to low heat and simmer for about 15 minutes to allow the nutrients to fully release. Finally, add rock sugar to taste and cook until dissolved, then turn off the heat. Serve hot for the best benefits to lung health.