What would a fall season be without a chestnut cartridge in hand? And those cold afternoons eating some chestnuts as a family?
Chestnuts are a good food, with different properties from other nuts. In this article we are going to explain a little more depth the chestnuts, as well as the benefits and properties that they can bring us.
What are chestnuts?
Chestnuts are the dried fruit of the chestnut, best known scientifically for Castanea sativa. This tree belongs to the fagaceae family and is typical of northern climates.
Properties of chestnuts
Chestnuts stand out for their low amount of calories compared to other nuts . This dried fruit does not reach 200kcal per 100 grams. This low amount of calories is the product of a low amount of fat , something that is not very common in nuts. Among its nutrients, carbohydrates stand out.
On the other hand, this dried fruit has a high amount of fiber, vitamins and minerals . Among the vitamins it contains, those of the B, C and E complex stand out. In turn, its main minerals include potassium, magnesium, phosphorus and iron.
It should be noted that, in some cases, the digestions of this food could be a little heavy. However, if chewed well and eaten in moderation, there will be no problem.
Benefits of chestnuts
Chestnuts, as we have seen, are a good source of minerals , which will not give us an excessive caloric intake. This, added to its richness in carbohydrates instead of fats, and a great content in water, can be a good food for athletes. The minerals provided by this food contribute to the proper functioning of the neuromuscular system.
According to some studies, they are attributed anti-inflammatory and vascular properties . This may be because this dried fruit has antioxidant polyphenols . These polyphenols will help fight stress and free radicals. This will cause an improvement in the control of diseases related to inflammatory processes (obesity, diabetes, cancer …)
Uses in the kitchen
One of the virtues of this food is that, due to its flavor, they have many uses in the kitchen . Although the most common is to eat roasted chestnuts, there are other common uses, such as baking. Next, we name some of the uses that can be given:
- Roasted chestnuts.
- Toasted chestnuts.
- Boiled as meat seasonings.
- Creams
- Purees.
- As a raw snack.
- In syrup.
- Desserts (chestnut cake, sponge cake, ice brown or candied chestnut).
- Baked rice with chestnuts.
- Stews.
