Delicooks

Chestnuts evoke the change in seasons and are typical of autumn, when they’re roasted and sold on street corners and fill the air with a nostalgic aroma.

Characteristics

Known in ancient times as Jupiter acorns, chestnuts are protected by a spiky shell that prevents birds and insects eating them before they are ripe. Each shell contains two or three nuts. In Catalonia, chestnuts are traditionally eaten on the night of October 31, the Eve of All Saints.

Choosing chestnuts
Buy roasted chestnuts from street vendors or buy them raw and roast them at home. Or try making the delicious "marron glacé. This is a sweet, candied chestnut served with coffee or afternoon tea. If you don’t feel like making your own,  you can buy them in ready-made purees and creams.

Uses
Autumn is also hunting season and it is not unusual for game dishes to be garnished with roasted chestnuts, glazed or pureed. Excellent side dish for meats.

Conservation
Chestnuts have a long shelf life, even longer when glazed or pureed.

Chestnuts roasting tip
Make a tiny cut on the side of the nut so they don’t explode while roasting in the oven.