Roasted chestnut is a very a popular nut during the holiday seasons, we always see people selling it in the supermarket, malls and even in the sidewalk. Chestnut belongs to the genus Castanea of the beech family, it is primarily grown in China, Japan, Italy, and Spain. Chestnuts tree generally range in height from 30 to 60 feet. There are over 100 varieties of chestnut trees, some of which produce clusters of nuts while others produce single chestnuts. The chestnut variety that produce single large nuts are thought to be more flavorful and better for cooking, this variety is called marrons in France. The smaller variety which is the ordinary chestnuts is called chataignes. Another variety is called horse chestnut which is now becoming popular in the market as food supplement, it is said that horse chestnut is rich in saponins and flavones, which modern research has shown to help support the normal integrity of the vascular system and connective tissue.

Chestnuts are different from other nuts in that they are low in fat and have high starch content. They have a crumbly texture and a sweet, mild flavor. Chestnut are usually eaten boiled or roasted and are often added to stuffing or soups, or served as a side dish. It can also be ground into flour and used for baking. Chestnut is most abundant during winter season but canned and bottled peeled chestnuts are available year-round.

Nutritive Values: Per 100 gm.

• Vitamin A: none
• Vitamin B: Thiamine .22 mg.;
• Riboflavin: .22 mg.;
• Niacin: .6 mg.
• Vitamin C: none
• Calcium: 27mg.
• Iron: 3.8 mg.
• Phosphorus: 373 mg.
• Fat: 4.1 gm.
• Protein: 2.9 gm.
• Calories:377

Health Benefits:

• Chestnut is a good body builder food and recommended in cases of emaciation (wasting away of body tissues).
• Chestnut aids in the care of the teeth and treatment of pyorrhea.
• The leaves are used as remedy in fever.
• Chestnut is use in convulsive cough such as whooping cough and in other condition of the respiratory organ.
• Chestnut can help repair microscopic holes and leaks in blood vessels and capillaries; it can also help make the vein wall elastic therefore preventing swelling and damage.

Buying tip: When buying chestnut always look for a firm, heavy chestnut with dark shiny shells.

Storage: Chestnut has a high water content (about 50%) just like vegetables, therefore is should be stored in a cool dry place just like vegetables. Unpeeled chestnut can be stored in a cool, dry place for one week or if placed in a refrigerator it can last up to a month, while frozen chestnut will last up to six months.