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- A large tree up to 40 m, chestnuts are members of the beech family.
- A number of species and hybrids are used in nut production.
- Nuts are borne in a round, spiky capsule that are called ‘conkers’.
- The nuts are large and heart-shaped with a flat light brown top, the rest of the nut is shiny dark brown with light brown streaks.
- They have a sweet nutty flavour with a texture similar to a baked potato.
- Unlike other nuts they are low in fat, and high in carbohydrates.
- Used in cooking, or boiled or roasted as they cannot be eaten raw.
- Chestnut flour is also used in some cake recipes.
- Available: Processed is available all year round.
Botanical Name: Castanea sp. eg C. sativa (sweet chestnut) (Fagaceae)
Health Benefits
100g of Chestnut yields the following:
- Calories – 64
- Total Carbs – 5% of DV
- Protein – 1.19g
- Total Carbohydrate – 5% of DV
- Vitamin A – 1% of DV
- Vitamin C – 17% of DV
- Iron – 2% of DV
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Selecting tips
- Fresh nuts have a firm feel.
- Unlike many nuts chestnuts need to be eaten within a week or two of purchase.
- Can be stored for up to 3 weeks in the fridge in a perforated plastic bag.