What brand of canned water chestnuts and bean sprouts do you use?

[Jessica]

I want to try water chestnuts in some dishes, and I can't find decent fresh bean sprouts around here. Any national brands of these that are safe for pa/tna? thanks

[Macabre]

Ah, this is very much related to the artichoke hearts question I had last week. Many of the same companies!

[twinturbo]

Do you trust me on knowing your comfort zone? I'd say there isn't any brand for you. But, I have a couple of work arounds. One is boil your own water chestnuts in hull. I've done it and so much better than canned. The other is jicama for texture although flavor won't be the same. Next is grow your own edible bamboo and harvest the shoots. That one is easier said than done but once you know how to harvest bamboo it's a lot of effort but mindless effort. Again, taste isn't the same but fibrous texture is close and OMG fresh bamboo you'd never go back. The best thing about bamboo is most pests in North America don't know what to do with it. Plant far away from your house it's super aggressive able to spread and strong enough to break concrete.

ETA: Are you making spring rolls?

[Jessica]

I'm making stir fry. Someone suggested almonds so I thought water chestnuts might be a good substitute. I've never seen fresh water chestnuts sold here though so I don't know if that's an option. Maybe Kroger would have them (we don't go there often though).

[Macabre]

We use water chestnuts on occasion, but I can't tell you what we've used. It's been a few years.

Jicama--it would be a good sub if you can cook it (don't see why you couldn't, but I have only used it raw. Google.)

[Macabre]

We do a lot of stir fry. You are probably fine without, but it would be good to know of a safe option.

[twinturbo]

Frig leftovers are perfect for stir frys. I cleaned the odds and ends tonight for dinner since tomorrow is garbage day.



The stuff on the left side is just cabbage with garlic.