October 30, 2023

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What are the plants that grow in water and are eaten as food?

When we think about growing food, we typically picture traditional gardens and fields. However, there’s a fascinating and often overlooked world of edible plants that thrive in water. From rice paddies to aquatic herbs, these water-grown edibles are not only delicious but also vital for diverse cuisines around the world.

Edible Aquatic Plants: A Guide to Water-Grown Food

• Lotus
• Wild Rice
• Water Chestnut
• Water Spinach
• Watercress
• Cranberry

Lotus

The lotus is a stunning aquatic plant known for its splendid flowers and broad, round leaves that float on the water’s surface. Almost every part of this plant is edible, including the roots, stems, flowers, seeds, and young leaves.

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Lotus Stem (Kamal Kakdi)

The lotus stem, commonly known as ‘Kamal Kakdi’ in India, is widely used in cooking to make curries, stir-fries, chips, and various delicacies.

Lotus Seed (Makhana or Fox Nuts)

Lotus seeds, also known as ‘Fox Nuts’ or ‘Makhana,’ make for a delightful snack when roasted or fried, similar to popcorn. In India, they are commonly used as dry fruits in desserts, shakes, smoothies, and even curries.

Lotus Petals

Lotus petals are used to make wraps and are often used for garnishing dishes.

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Wild Rice (Indian Rice or Water Oats)

Wild rice, also known as Indian Rice or Water Oats, has a chewy outer sheath and a tender inner grain with a slightly nutty taste. These plants grow in shallow water in small lakes and slow-flowing streams. They are high in fibre and protein and are recommended for people dealing with chronic constipation.

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Water Chestnut

Water chestnut is not a nut but an aquatic vegetable that grows in marshes underwater in the mud. It has tube-shaped, leafless green stems that can grow to about 1.5 meters. The small, rounded corms have crisp white flesh and can be eaten raw, slightly boiled, or grilled.

Water Spinach

Water spinach is a semi-aquatic, tropical plant grown for its tender shoots and leaves, commonly used as a vegetable in various culinary dishes.

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Cranberry

Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) is a native North American berry. Cranberries are typically cultivated in bogs and very wet soils. They are often submerged in water, primarily for the convenience of harvesting. Hand-picking cranberries are labor-intensive, making mechanical harvesting more suitable for commercial growers. In-home gardens, cranberries can be harvested directly from the bush, similar to blueberries. These low-growing evergreen shrubs can serve as ground cover in very moist soils.

Cranberries are well-known for their health benefits, as they are rich in vitamin C and bioflavonoids. They also contain a natural antibiotic that can benefit urinary tract health.

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The Art of Cultivation

Cultivating aquatic edibles can be both traditional and highly specialized. Paddy rice, for instance, is a well-honed tradition passed down through generations. The intricate network of channels and levees ensures consistent water levels and pest control.

On the other hand, hydroponic and aquaponic systems are modern, highly efficient methods for growing aquatic plants. These systems use water as the growing medium and often integrate fish farming for a closed-loop, sustainable food production system.

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Nutritional Value

Many aquatic plants are rich in essential nutrients. For instance, rice is a staple source of carbohydrates, while watercress is packed with vitamins A and C, iron, and calcium. Lotus roots offer fibre and vitamin C, and water chestnuts provide potassium and fibre.