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Chestnuts are a delicious health food rich in nutrition. Just a handful of other foods can match the nutritional value of a chestnut, unfortunately, very few people are aware of this. As opposed to most other nuts, chestnuts have a high water content and very little oil, thus making them virtually fat free. They are high in complex carbohydrates, contain high quality protein comparable to eggs, are gluten free, cholesterol free, and are very low in fat (1-2% while other nuts can be over 50% fat). Three cooked chestnuts contain between 55 and 68 calories depending on the variety. Nutritionally, they are similar to brown rice and have been described as “a grain that grows on a tree”.
Most fresh chestnuts sold in food stores are imported. By the time they reach local stores, they are no longer fresh. Many have started to mold; they dry out and are difficult to peel with the inner skin adhering to the nut meat. Our chestnuts are a pleasure to peel, the shell and skin remove easily.
Storing: Store chestnuts in a ventilated plastic bag in your refrigerator or freeze for later use.
Preparing chestnuts: There are many ways to prepare chestnuts, these are our favorites: Using a serrated knife, cut a large “X” on the flat side of the nut cutting through the shell; wrap 4 nuts in a paper towel or plastic wrap and microwave for 45-48 seconds on high. Peel while warm. Or, after scoring, put nuts in pot with water covering nuts, bring to a boil, cook for 15-20 minutes, take nuts out immediately, peel while warm. Eat them and enjoy good health.
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One of many of our beautiful chestnut trees.
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The chestnut tree is praised for its ornamental beauty and hardiness. In late Spring, the trees burst forth with catkins that appear like fireworks. In early Autumn, the nuts begin to ripen. These nuts are held tight within large green burrs which are not much different in appearance than sea urchins.
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