The Taste of Autumn – Gather, Roast, Feast on Chestnuts

Roasting chestnut has been a long tradition in our family.

Chestnuts are a delicious and unique signature of the autumn season, as well as very easy to prepare. Roasting chestnuts is the best way to cook them and we feel it gives the best flavour, however there are plenty of other ways to cook them; from baking to boiling.

Chestnuts are sweet, edible nuts that grow inside of a prickly casing called a burr. They have an inedible dark brown outer shell, and a bitter paper-like skin that both need to be removed before eating. Fresh raw chestnuts are generally available in groceries and farmers markets from September to November.

When it comes to roasting chestnuts, it seems that small and local is definitely the best!

Also, it's important to look at the shells of the chestnuts that you're buying. The shell should be a vibrant brown colour, with a bit of sheen. If you can hear the chestnut rattling inside of the shell, don't buy it. It has probably dried up and will not be edible.

How to Prepare Chestnuts for Roasting

First of all, you should wash your chestnuts. It doesn't matter that you're not eating the shell.

Once your chestnuts are clean, dry them off and place them flat side down on a cutting board. You need to cut a slit into the shell of each chestnut, as this allows steam to escape during the cooking process. Otherwise they will explode.

You can either cut a traditionally "x" is cut into the chestnut, but some people prefer to cut a slit across the point end of the chestnut. Our preference is the X. No matter how you slice them, be sure to use a sharp, sturdy knife and be careful not to cut yourself!

We have an Italian chestnut roasting pan which is slatted thus ensuring the chestnuts are cooked to perfection. Once roasted, you must peel them when they're still very warm. The hotter they are, the easier they will be to peel. Be careful though!

TIP: Don't forget to sprinkle some coarse salt, apparently they roast faster and are easier to peel!

Health Benefits of Chestnuts

Unlike most other nuts, chestnuts contain little protein or fat and chiefly provide complex carbs. Chestnuts supply vitamins and minerals that benefit your body from head to toe.

High in Fibre

Just 10 roasted chestnuts include 17% of what you need for the day - a major plus considering most of us don't get nearly enough.

High in Vit. C

While it's more famous for boosting your immune system, vitamin C actually supports the formation of blood vessels, cartilage, muscle, and collagen throughout your body. The antioxidant also protects your cells against the damaging effects of free radicals and aids in the absorption and storage of iron.

High in Copper

Like vitamin C, this trace mineral supports the health of your blood vessels, nerves, immune system, and bones and assists in iron absorption, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. About 10 roasted chestnuts supply 21% of the recommended daily amount.

Increased brain function - chestnuts contain fat-soluble B vitamins that promote healthy skin, produce red blood cells and improve brain function.

Do not contain gluten - chestnuts are of great benefit to patients with celiac disease, which is a disease that upsets the small intestine.

Some nutritional facts about chestnuts

Sabrina Oggionni, Dietitian at Humanitas Gavazzeni, provides some insight on the health benefits of chestnuts and individuals for whom consumption is recommended:

"Chestnuts are a part of the fruit group and some individuals classify them as dried fruit. However, in comparison to nuts (walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds, etc), they have a low fat content. Chestnuts have certain nutritional characteristics similar to those of cereals. Even though they do not contain gluten, they do have a high content of sugars, especially starch. Chestnuts are rich in fibre, as well as mineral salts such as potassium, phosphorus, and small quantities of iron. Lastly, they contain vitamins B2 and E. It is important to remember that the energy and nutritional characteristics of chestnuts are different from that of the remaining group of fresh fruits."

Chestnut recipes

In savoury dishes, chestnuts are the epitome of earthy rustic cooking. Use them in warming soups, like chestnut & cauliflower soup, stews such as venison sausage & chestnut casserole or as a purée instead of mashed potato.

Chestnuts can also be cooked whole alongside meat. For a vegetarian alternative, you can team chestnuts with parsnips in this modern take on a nut loaf or serve them in a stunning savoury cake packed with butternut squash and lentils.

These tasty nuggets are perfect to hearty rice and pasta dishes which you can whip up for a midweek family meal, such as this healthy roasted squash, pancetta & chestnut risotto or Italian sausage & chestnut pasta.

Chocolate and chestnuts are a heavenly combination!

The ultimate celebration of the chestnut is marrons glacés, in which the chestnuts are cooked in sugar syrup of increasing concentration, saturating the nut with sugar through a process similar to osmosis.

We would love to hear about the traditions you have this time of year; whether it's a walk to a favourite forest, digging in indoors with friends and family, or seasonal forage.

Autumn, the season of the harvest. It is the time to gather nature's bounty, the fruits and vegetables, the grains and nuts; and eat them with gratitude.

Sources:

Humanitas University, goodhousekeeping, insearchofyummyness, bbcgoodfood, healthline, organicfacts.