Chestnuts: recipes and benefits for the brain, bones, heart and more

When the temperature starts to plummet, getting closer and closer to freezing and the snowflakes start to fall, there is nothing more comforting than picking chestnuts and roasting them, or buying them from a street vendor.

From Christmas dinners to Christmas carols, roasted chestnuts are almost part of the decorations and ubiquitous of the winter season. Slightly sweet and crunchy, chestnuts are versatile foods that are delicious, nutritious and loaded with health benefits. From improving digestion to strengthening bones, there are many reasons to roast chestnuts and eat them year round.

They improve digestion

Some research has shown that chestnuts might help promote better digestion in several ways. Chestnut extract has a protective effect on the probiotic strain in the gastrointestinal tract.

Probiotics are a type of beneficial bacteria that keep the gut healthy and help improve digestion, and chestnuts are high in fiber. Dietary fiber resists digestion as it passes through the gastrointestinal tract, this process aids in the movement of foods through the digestive tract. Fiber can also relieve constipation, promote satiety, stabilize blood sugar and help feed the beneficial bacteria in your gut.

They contain antioxidants

Besides providing a good amount of vitamins and minerals, chestnuts also boast a good amount of antioxidants.

They protect your heart

Interestingly, some types of chestnuts have been shown to have a protective effect on the heart. That's in part because chestnuts contain antioxidants, which can reduce inflammation and improve heart health.

Chestnuts also contain potassium, an important mineral that may reduce some of the risk factors associated with heart disease. A serving of chestnuts in your diet may be able to help reduce some heart disease risk factors and keep your heart healthy.

When to collect chestnuts and how to store them

The period in which chestnuts ripen is September, but they can be harvested until December. For conservation there are two basic methods. They can be kept raw in fresh, airy places and will stay good for 2 weeks. Or you can freeze them raw or cooked.

How to cook chestnuts

There are many ways to cook chestnuts, the most classic is in the fireplace at home, but there are also numerous recipes. Among the most delicious recipes are the brown bread croutons with lard and chestnuts, they are cooked with a knob of butter and rosemary and then served on croutons. Another very inviting recipe is the chestnut cream with potatoes and crispy bacon, just the name makes your mouth water. A more classic and very wintery recipe is soup with lentils and chestnuts.

Chestnuts can also be used as a filling for rabbit or for mortadella meatballs. It is such a versatile fruit that it is suitable for flavoring more complex and caloric dishes but also a simple salad.

In the catering-refrigeration online catalog there are chestnut cutters and chestnut cookers at highly competitive prices.