(Photo/CFP)

The edible seeds of Euryale ferox, known as jitoumi (chicken head rice) in Chinese, have long been a favorite on dining tables in Jiangnan region, traditionally the scenic region south of the lower reaches of the Yangtze River.

Recently, at the Chenghu Agricultural Park in Luzhi Town, Wuzhong District of Suzhou, violet flowers have begun blooming among the round, green leaves covering the water’s surface, signaling the start of this year’s first harvest of the popular edible seeds.

(CFP file photo)

Farmer Zhang Haiming begins tending the plants at about 5 am. He said that the plants, sown on May 28, gradually produce larger seeds over time. Some seeds can weigh over 500 grams, and the first batch should be ready for tasting in about half a month.

Since Euryale ferox grows more slowly in hot and dry conditions, farmer Chen checks his fields daily. “The plants need cooling when temperature rises. And if the water becomes murky, it needs to be replaced quickly. Otherwise, the dropping oxygen level may affect it's growth,” he explained.

The park is one of Suzhou’s largest, most diverse and highest-quality aquatic vegetable bases. This year’s crop is thriving and the first harvest is expected in late July.