Odd looking vegetable in Chinatown

[Nywoman]

I bought something that looks like a handlbar moustache in Chinatown. It is black and very hard shelled. What is it and how do you cook and eat it?

[Paulustrious]

I though it was a either a false moustache or a petrified bat. One lives and learns.

[Diatrive]

Looks to be a Water Caltrop. Serendipity as I just had read this blog entry last night or never would have known.

http://blog.elementsprinceton.com/?p=689

[DallasDude]

Form of a water chestnut. See growing on vine in my picture attached.