The most distinctive feature of this plant is its arrowhead-shaped, dark-skinned corm, submerged underwater. The flesh inside is white, soft, buttery, and sweet. In the past, rural children often dived into ponds to forage for these corms, boiling them as a filling meal. Now, this once-humble food has become a beloved rustic delicacy.
Growing arrowhead corms is simple and requires little effort. Even without fertilizer, the plants thrive by absorbing nutrients from the mud, making them a low-investment, high-yield crop.
Many households also integrate fish farming under the ponds, utilizing the shade from the leaves to cool the water temperature and using fish waste as natural fertilizer. This integrated approach boosts income while efficiently utilizing the cultivation area.
The simplest way to prepare arrowhead corms is by boiling them, preserving the sweet, buttery, and soft texture of the white flesh. Another popular dish is steaming the corms with coconut water, infusing them with a rich, creamy aroma. In some regions, arrowhead corms are also ground into a paste and used in cakes with mung bean or coconut fillings or made into a cooling summer dessert.
In Hanoi’s local and online markets, arrowhead corms sell for around 45,000 VND per kilogram. Ms. Ngoc from Ha Dong shared, “I take pre-orders and receive the corms in Hanoi the next morning. Some days, I sell up to 30-50 kilograms.”
Not only delicious, but arrowhead corms also boast medicinal value. In traditional Chinese medicine, these corms are considered sweet and cooling. They are believed to strengthen the spleen and boost energy, detoxify, treat diarrhea, and quench thirst during hot summers.
With their enticing flavor, ease of preparation, and health benefits, arrowhead corms have become a beloved staple, enjoyed by both rural and urban dwellers.
The Health Benefits of Arrowhead Corms
Rich in Folic Acid, Doubling the Amount Found in Spinach
Beyond their delightful taste, arrowhead corms are nutrient-dense, containing carbohydrates, protein, vitamins B1, B2, C, carotenes, and minerals such as potassium, calcium, phosphorus, and iron.
Notably, raw arrowhead corms contain folic acid levels twice as high as spinach. This essential nutrient is vital for cell formation and particularly beneficial for pregnant women. It also helps prevent colorectal, esophageal, and pancreatic cancers.
The corms’ black skins are also rich in polyphenols, boasting antioxidant powers comparable to green tea.
Detoxifying and Cooling for the Stomach and Intestines
Arrowhead corms are known for their detoxifying and cooling effects on the stomach and intestines. During Japan’s Edo period, these corms were used medicinally to treat digestive issues. Consumed in moderate amounts, they can aid in healing gastric ulcers.
Additionally, arrowhead corms are one of the few foods containing organic germanium, a compound that increases oxygen levels in the body, enhances toxin elimination, improves cell function, boosts immunity, and triggers self-healing mechanisms.
Cholesterol-Lowering and Potential Cancer-Fighting Properties
The unique compound ergostene found in arrowhead corms has been studied for its anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and cholesterol-lowering effects. According to the Shandong Food Science and Technology Journal (China), animal experiments showed that extracts from these corms could eliminate tumor-induced ascites while inhibiting esophageal, breast, and endometrial cancers.
Other research also confirms the ability of these extracts to inhibit digestive tract cancer cells.
Combating Insomnia
Vitamin B-6, present in arrowhead corms, effectively enhances mood and produces neurotransmitters, helping to stabilize emotions and reduce stress. This, in turn, aids in treating insomnia and combating mental fatigue.
Inhibiting Infections
The antioxidants polyphenol and flavonoid found in arrowhead corms possess antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, and infection-preventing properties.
Promoting Healthy Skin and Hair
The nutrients in arrowhead corms act as natural detoxifiers, cleansing the body of toxins and promoting clear skin and lustrous hair.
Precautions: When enjoying arrowhead corms, it’s important to consider a few health notes. Due to their high sugar content, individuals with diabetes should consume them in moderation or balance their meals by reducing other starch-rich foods to prevent blood sugar spikes.
Additionally, as arrowhead corms are rich in potassium and phosphorus, those with kidney disease should refrain from frequent or excessive consumption. While some tout arrowhead corms as a weight-loss aid, overconsumption may have the opposite effect, making weight management challenging.
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