Water caltrops are divided into two general types: deep-water and shallow water. Deep-water varieties are lighter in color and sweeter in taste, while the shells of shallow-water varieties have a dark color which can stain the hands.
菱角分有淺水菱與深水菱兩種，深水菱外殼顏色較淡，味甘甜而口感佳，淺水菱則外殼顏色較深，顏色會沾手。