Chestnuts, a mega post about this super food

Welcome to Paulina Cocina! Today, let's talk about the most requested dried fruit in this community and around the world. We're always looking for ways to incorporate chestnuts into our daily routines , and that's why we're here today. Let's look at some interesting ways to prepare them at home and all the derivatives we can make with a few of them—information that's always super useful. I assure you.

What kind of fruit are chestnuts? 

+ Data around the world

Chestnuts are the most beloved dried fruit, enjoyed by people from all over the world, although their cultivation is concentrated especially in Europe and Asia . A typical way to consume them is roasted, and they can be used in a wide variety of dishes, such as purées, soups, stews, and cakes .

in Spain . There's a famous recipe there for roasted chestnuts with sugar and cinnamon . Have you tried it? It's a temptation at any time of life.

In general, they're a very versatile ingredient, which is why we love them. This is why the fruit can be found in an endless variety of dishes and recipes .

In Italy , they are widely used in more "traditional" dishes, such as chestnut puree , which is served as a garnish or accompaniment to meat and fish .

In Japan , they are cooked and wrapped in banana leaves to make the famous sweet kuri kinton .

Their biggest draw is that they're a rich source of nutrients , including carbohydrates, protein, fiber, vitamin C, iron, and calcium. This makes them a great source of energy .

Is it possible to roast chestnuts in the microwave?

Well, yes, it's possible, but generally speaking, it's not recommended to cook them in a microwave . The problem with this technique is that sometimes there's no way to measure the heat, and this can ruin them completely, leaving them with an unpleasant texture and an unappetizing flavor .

So what's the best way to roast them? If you want to preserve their flavor, the best way is to cook them in a traditional oven or on a grill . It's not as quick, but I assure you it's easy and safe.

-I don't care Paulina, I want to cook them in the microwave .

How to roast chestnuts in the microwave

• First we'll have to pierce each one a little with a fork to prevent them from exploding.
• Place them in a microwave-safe container and cover it completely with a damp cloth or rag. 
• Microwave at full power for about 5-6 minutes or until tender and slightly golden on the outside.

We let them cool a little beforehand and we're ready for our mid-afternoon express chestnuts.

The best season

How do I get fresh chestnuts? They're mostly available in spring or summer in Argentina . Of course, the chestnut season varies by location. They're generally harvested in mid-October and can be found and consumed during this time of year.

However, thanks to the wonderful technology of canning and preservation , chestnuts can be found and consumed throughout the year in many places.

Different uses of chestnuts

We've already talked about how they're a super healthy option to include in a daily menu . That's why I'm sharing some details about their different uses in the kitchen . Some examples:

• Roasted chestnuts: As mentioned above, a common way to eat them is by roasting them in the oven or on the grill. This leaves them crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, and gives them a slightly smoky flavor.

Roasted chestnuts can be served as an appetizer or as a side dish to a main dish.

• Pureed: Another way to prepare them is as a puree. To do this, you'd first cook the chestnuts until tender, then peel and mash them until you get a smooth, creamy consistency.

This puree can be used as a base for soups, stews, or sweet dishes, such as chestnut cream or coppice.

• Dessert or Sweet: chestnut flour can be , or it can be mixed with sugar and spices to make nougat .

• Oils for different uses : Another way to use them is by producing oil from their seeds. Chestnut oil is characterized by a mild, slightly fruity flavor.

Chestnut oils can be used in cooking as a healthy option for seasoning salads, vegetables, or meats.

• Flour: They can also be ground into flour, which is used in making bread, cookies, or cakes. Chestnut flour is a healthy and gluten-free option.

Important: They can also be eaten canned or cooked in bulk and then preserved.

Two ways to cook chestnuts

Baked: Time and temperature

*Preheat the oven to a temperature of approximately 200°C.

1. First, you have to clean them well to remove any dirt residue.
2. Then, place them on a baking tray and cook for about 30-40 minutes, or until tender and lightly browned. 
3. You can check if they're ready by piercing one with a fork; if it's soft and flakes easily, the chestnuts are ready.

In a pot

1. Place them in a large pot and cover completely with water. 
2. Add a pinch of salt and cook over medium-high heat for about 20-30 minutes, or until the chestnuts look tender. 
3. After the time has passed, remove them from the water and let them cool. 
4. Once cooled, peel and serve as an appetizer or as part of a main dish.