Current customer? Log In

	Search Quick Order Form» Departments Vitamins Minerals Supplements Herbs Home & Grocery Diet & Fitness Body & Bath More Ways to Shop Brands A-Z Natural Remedies Children & Infants Women's Health Men's Health Seniors Free Catalog MotherNature.com's Catalog Is Here! Click Here to Get Your Free Copy Today. Newsletter Sign Up Weekly health news, sale announcements and coupons!		Library Home > Food Guide > Chestnuts CHESTNUTS Introduction Buying and storing Preparation tips Nutritional highlights Health benefits and concerns References Visit The Healthy Living Bookshelf: 21 Online Health Books From Rodale Fresh chestnuts are most widely available in the autumn and winter months. Chestnuts have been eaten since prehistoric times in the Mediterranean region and Asia; they are especially popular in France, Italy, and North Africa. Chestnuts are primarily grown in China, Japan, Italy, and Spain. They are different from other nuts in that they are low in fat and contain a high starch content. They have a crumbly texture and a sweet, mild flavor. Varieties Over 100 varieties of chestnut trees exist, many of which produce clusters of nuts while others produce single chestnuts. The cultivated varieties of chestnut tree that produce single large nuts are thought to be more flavorful and better for cooking. This variety is known in France as marrons, while the smaller, ordinary chestnuts are called chataignes. An inedible variety of chestnut is known as the horse chestnut. Chestnuts are related to the beechnut and the chinkapin, a nut long eaten by Native Americans. Buying and storing tips Look for firm, heavy chestnuts with dark shiny shells. Unpeeled chestnuts can be stored in a cool, dry place for one week or can be refrigerated for up to a month. Frozen, chestnuts will keep for up to six months. Availability Chestnuts are popular during the Thanksgiving and holiday seasons and thus fresh chestnuts are most widely available in the autumn and winter months. Canned and bottled peeled chestnuts are available year-round. Preparation, uses, and tips Both the shell and thin brown skin of the chestnut need to be removed before eating. Peeling chestnuts is a time-consuming process; it is commonly thought that cooking the chestnuts beforehand makes them easier to peel. To do so, pierce the shell of the chestnuts with a sharp knife, boil them, and then peel them while still hot. They are usually eaten boiled or roasted and are often added to stuffing or soups, or served as a side dish. They are also used to make Mont Blanc, a meringue dessert topped with chestnut purée and whipped cream. Chestnuts canned in a sugar syrup are called marrons glaces. Peeled whole chestnuts are also available canned in water, which can be a real timesaver. Chestnuts can also be ground into flour and used for baking. Nutritional Highlights Chestnuts (European, roasted), 10 kernels (84g) Calories: 206 Protein: 2.67g Carbohydrate: 44.5g Total fat: 1.8g Fiber: 4.3g *Excellent source of: Vitamin B6 (0.41mg), and Vitamin C (21.8mg) *Good source of: Potassium (497mg), and Folate (58.8mcg) *Foods that are an “excellent source” of a particular nutrient provide 20% or more of the Recommended Daily Value, based upon United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) guidelines. Foods that are a “good source” of a particular nutrient provide between 10 and 20% of the USDA Recommended Daily Value. Nutritional information and daily nutritional guidelines may vary in different countries. Please consult the appropriate organization in your country for specific nutritional values and the recommended daily guidelines. Health benefits and concerns Health benefits and concerns for nuts and seeds Many health benefits and concerns associated with this food are applicable to other nuts and seeds. Read about health benefits and concerns for nuts and seeds for a full description.

Accept Credit Cards Online

Order By Phone 1-800-439-5506

Information on this site is provided for informational purposes and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professional. You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing any medication. Information about each product is taken from the labels of the products or from the manufacturer's advertising material. MotherNature.com is not responsible for any statements or claims that various manufacturers make about their products. We cannot be held responsible for typographical errors or product formulation changes. You should read carefully all product packaging. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.All discounts are taken from suggested retail prices.

Please see our Terms of Use
Copyright © 1995-2008 Mother Nature, Inc. All rights reserved.