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Fresh Nanhu water chestnuts hit the market in Jiaxing, Zhejiang province — a sweet taste of summer from the region's waterways.[Photo/Tide News]

Jiaxing's much-anticipated Nanhu water chestnuts have officially hit the market, offering a crisp and sweet taste unique to summer. A signature agricultural product of Jiaxing, Nanhu water chestnuts are a variety found mainly in China, known for their thin skins, thick flesh, and tender texture.

At a breeding base in Shengfeng village, Youchegang town, Xiuzhou district, farmers harvest the water chestnuts from ponds at night and send them to market overnight to preserve their freshness. Only a limited number of ponds are currently being harvested due to higher temperatures, with the first batches selling wholesale for about 12 yuan ($1.67) per half kilogram. Larger-scale harvesting is expected by the end of the month, when prices are likely to fall as supply increases.

Youchegang is a major breeding area for Nanhu water chestnuts. Improved varieties have enhanced their appearance and texture, making them suitable for eating fresh as well as for stir-frying and stewing.

The harvest will continue through the National Day holiday in early October, providing an additional source of income for local farmers. The town plans to improve cultivation techniques and expand sales channels to strengthen the Nanhu water chestnut brand and support rural development through specialty agriculture.