In Xiazhu village in Qintong town – located in the Jiangyan district of Taizhou city in East China's Jiangsu province, the harvest of nearly 100 mu (6.7 hectares) of water caltrops (or lingjiao in Chinese) is currently underway.
The water caltrop, cultivated in China for thousands of years, is an aquatic plant that stands in water and whose fruit is cooked and served in culinary dishes.
Farmhands get to work, bringing in the harvest in Jiangyan. [Photo/WeChat ID: jyrmzf]
The cultivation of water caltrops is mainly found in the southern parts of China, particularly in areas surrounding the Yangtze River Delta.
This fruit is highly regarded and enjoyed for its subtly sweet, white flesh, making it a popular choice for both snacks and desserts.
To ensure a steady supply of fresh water caltrops to the market, local villagers are currently diligently harvesting the crop from as early as four o'clock in the morning.
By doing so, the freshly picked water caltrops can be transported to markets in Wuxi, Changzhou and other surrounding areas by noon.
Due to the plentiful rainfall and suitable temperatures, coupled with improved management practices, the water caltrops have been growing exceptionally well. It's expected that this year will yield another bumper harvest.
Locals harvest water caltrops in Jiangyan. [Photo/WeChat ID: jyrmzf]