FAQs

What is a chestnut?

Chestnuts are the sweet tasting, edible, large, brown, starchy seed (or nut) of the chestnut tree.
These nuts develop in spiky burrs, which when ripe, will open to reveal the nuts inside.

Chestnut Nutrition

Unlike most nuts that are high in fat and low in starch, chestnuts have a similar nutritional content to wheat or brown rice. High carbohydrate content, a good source of potassium and a complete protein containing 13 amino acids, 8 of which are considered essential, make chestnuts a healthy source of nutrition. Chestnuts are a low fat and gluten free food.

How do you store fresh chestnuts?

Chestnuts high moisture and starch content make them perishable and special care should be taken for storage. For best results, keep fresh chestnuts in the refrigerator crisper drawer in a re-sealable plastic bag with a few holes, allowing them to breathe but not dry out.

How do you cook fresh chestnuts?

Fresh chestnuts can be roasted on an open fire, on the grill, in a dry skillet or in the oven, cooking all sides thoroughly and evenly. Smaller nuts will cook faster than larger ones. Whatever method is used to roast chestnuts make sure you slice/score the shell first and peel them while they are still hot. When cooked, the nut will soften. If not cooked enough, the outside will be soft and the inside will be hard. If overcooked, the chestnut will dry out and be too hard.

Can chestnuts be dried?

Yes. You can dry chestnuts in the oven at a low temperature or in a dehydrator. Once dried, the shells will be brittle and break up easily. The nuts need to be separated from the shells and stored in a cool, air tight bag or container. Nuts dried and stored properly will keep for several years.

Can you freeze chestnuts?

Yes. Frozen chestnuts in the shell will keep for up to a year. Thaw only the amount you need and use them as if they were fresh. Once the nuts are thawed they need to be kept refrigerated and will only keep a few days before spoiling.

Can I preserve fresh chestnuts?

Yes. Cooked and peeled chestnuts can be canned, vacuum packed or dried. Chestnut puree, chestnut cream and chestnut flour are also ways to preserve.