Chestnuts are undoubtedly the star food of the season. Discover in this post curiosities, nutritional properties and how to consume them to make the most of all their benefits.
Although Spain is un country of chestnuts, especially on the Cantabrian coast and in Galicia, chestnut trees are not autochthonous but were brought by the Romans when they colonized the pan-island. They have been eaten in our lands for centuries, they were known as the "bread of the poor ", since after drying flour was made with them, until potatoes and corn became frequent foods. Since then, they have been part of our diet and our culture, in such a way that chestnuts in our paThey have festive connotations, especially on dates close to All Saints.
Autumn is the ideal time to enjoy them, not only eating them but also to spend adUnforgettable day in the forest collecting them in the company of family and / or friends. The chestnut is the fruit of the chestnut, a tree scientifically known by the name of Castanea sativa , which grows in humid and cool areas. The fruits that da, they are wrapped in little prickly bags, the interior of which is full of these fruits that we know as chestnuts. The most consumed variety is the common or European, but the Chinese, the Japanese and the American also stand out. The composition of alls they are very similar, they only differ in the proportion of carbohydrates and in their sweetness, more intense in the Chinese variety.
The chestnut is considered one of the healthiest nuts.
The chestnut is considered one of the healthiest nuts; half is water, almost the other half carbohydrates and its fat content is much lower . Thanks to its high fiber content, it becomes a foodto prevent constipation, to improve intestinal flora and to regulate transit. It is also rich in minerals such as iron, calcium, phosphorus and has more sodium and potassium than any other nut. WithIt is an important source of B group vitamins, essential to combat physical and mental fatigue, ideal for reducing the symptoms of autumn. It is also a good source of phenolic compounds, very beneficial
We can find them both in the forest and in the market from the month of September, until approximately the end of December. They are kept in cool and dry places, mainly in free air.bre. Better not keep them in bags because they can get mold. If they are kept in the fridge they can last up to a month and up to 6 if they are frozen with the crust.
Although it is typical to eat it roasted during the autumn festivities, the castaña is a very versatile food in the kitchen. You can prepare a soup, a nutritious puree, as a garnish for main dishes, and even desserts such as puddings, cakes or pastries. It is also used to make flour, jams ands famous " glacé brown ". Raw, roasted, cooked, they make for a delicious, nutritious and healthy between-meal meal.
There is no doubt that chestnuts are a healthy food with important nutritional benefits that we canfind you in the fall. Take advantage of the fact that it is season and that they are not missing in your kitchen.
