Chestnuts

Originating from Europe, Asia and Africa, sweet chestnuts grow in a spiky casing and are shiny brown. Sweet chestnuts are edible and not the same as horse chestnuts, which are commonly known as conkers and harmful to ingest.

When raw, sweet chestnuts are somewhat bitter but turn soft and buttery if roasted. Some people compare the taste to sweet potato. They are incredibly nutritious and high in fibre, manganese, copper, vitamin B6 and vitamin C. 

These stunning nuts benefit your immune system, protect the body from anti-oxidants, increase bone strength and improve digestion and heart health.

Nutritional benefits of chestnuts

Chestnuts are a valuable nut to include for a healthy lifestyle. They have many benefits, which you can check out below.

Great source of fibre - Chesnuts are a wonderful source of fibre, which helps balance the microbiome in your gut for smoother digestion.

High in manganese - A major mineral in chestnuts is manganese. This is vital to help the body absorb calcium, which is needed for healthy bones and teeth. Manganese also regulates sex hormones, balances blood sugar, and reduces the chance of blood clots. 

Full of copper - Your body needs copper for a healthy immune system. When your immune system is compromised, you will experience colds and infections and pick up illnesses easily. However, strong immunity fights off disease and enables you to recover quickly if you do get ill.

Rich in vitamin B6 - Similarly to copper, B6 boosts your immune system. It also plays a significant role in balancing your body’s nervous system to ensure hormone regulation.

Contains vitamin C - Vitamin C is crucial for health and vitality. It improves skin and hair, increases blood flow, creates strong bones, helps with joint pain and is essential for a healthy heart.

Easy ways to eat chestnuts

Chesnuts are an excellent addition to your diet, so we have listed some easy ways to include them in your nutritional lifestyle.

Eat them roasted - A classic way to eat chestnuts is to roast them. Once cooked, you can peel the outer layer to reveal the rich, buttery flesh.

Have chestnut soup - Chestnut soup tastes delicious and makes a hearty and warming meal for winter.

Make into stuffing - After roasting chestnuts, you can turn them into stuffing for Sunday dinner or as an extra side dish on Christmas day.

Add as a filling to pudding - The rich, buttery and sweet taste of cooked chestnuts makes them an ideal filling for many puddings.

Mix into sauces - You can blend roasted chestnuts into a sauce and add it to pasta for a filling and nutritious dish.

You can eat our delicious cooked whole chestnuts hot or cold. Enjoy them roasted or eat them raw for an incredible source of fibre and various nutrients.