John Myers
The cultivated edible nuts of the European chestnut are called chestnuts. They are also called sweet chestnuts. Chestnuts grow on a tree up to 30 meters high. They are egg- to heart-shaped in appearance and have a flat, triangular underside. Their skin is reddish-brown with dark stripes.
Origin
Chestnuts originally come from Asia Minor. Nowadays they are widespread – in Europe, North America, Japan, and China.
Season
Chestnuts fall from the tree in September/October. Sweet chestnuts do not fall from the tree. They must be picked in November.
tatso
Chestnuts taste floury and tart raw. Roasting them gives them a strong, aromatic, slightly creamy taste.
tshebediso
Chestnuts are used as a filling for roast goose, duck and turkey, but are also served as an accompaniment to red cabbage or as a puree with winter meat dishes. Chestnut flour and flakes are often used in Italian and Swiss cuisine. Chestnuts also taste very good as a dessert – roasted, boiled, pickled in sugar or syrup. Take a look at our chestnut recipes for autumnal ideas and be sure to cook our chestnut soup.
Storage
Chestnuts should be stored dry and airy. However, they do not last very long because they dry out quickly and then start to germinate.
