Re: Caltrops

Rick Walker (walker@cutter.hpl.hp.com)
Mon, 01 Nov 93 13:10:57 PST

> cal.trop \'kal-tr<e>p, 'k<o.>l-\also cal.throp \-thr<e>p\ n (bef. 12c)
> [ME calketrappe star thistle, fr. OE calcatrippe, fr. ML calcatrippa]

No one has mentioned this, but there is an aquatic caltrope that is used
as a nut in chinese cooking. The very woody pod is reminiscent of
a demonic bull's head and is about 4cm across the "horns". You can find
them for sale in various chinese specialty shops. They are usually prepared
by boiling and shelling.

--
Rick