HANDLING CHESTNUTS

STORING

Fresh chestnuts are a little different from most nuts—they’re living food, full of natural moisture, and need a bit of care to stay fresh. Because of that, they shouldn’t be left out at room temperature for long or they’ll begin to dry out and spoil.

To keep them at their best, pop your chestnuts into the refrigerator as soon as they arrive. We send tracking information with every order so you’ll know when to expect your package and can plan to unpack it right away.

Once unpacked, store them in the coldest part of your refrigerator. Chestnuts keep best in a humid environment—around 90% humidity—and just a few degrees above freezing. In these ideal conditions, fresh Chinese chestnuts can stay in great shape for several weeks.

CURING

To bring out their full, sweet flavor, chestnuts need a little time to cure. A few days before you plan to use them, take them out of the refrigerator and spread them on a shallow tray at room temperature. Let them dry slowly, away from direct sunlight, heat, or drafts.

As they cure, the starches inside gradually turn to natural sugars, and the kernels will shrink just slightly away from their shells. You’ll know they’re ready when you can feel a bit of “give” between the shell and the nut when gently squeezed. If they still feel firm, give them another day or two. Once cured, enjoy them soon—chestnuts are best used right away to keep that wonderful flavor and texture.

PREPARING

Chestnuts should be cooked and peeled before eating. Begin by rinsing them in cool, running water to clean, then choose a cooking method best suited to your needs and intended use.

Roasting

Chinese chestnuts are much denser than European & American chestnuts; therefore more time is needed to break them down and release all of their flavors. That said, low and slow is the name of the game when it comes to cooking Chinese chestnuts!

Score chestnuts with a sharp knife to prevent bursting during the cooking process. Holding the chestnut firmly with the flat side down, carefully score the rounded side of the outer shell by cutting an arc from one side to the other, cutting about 1/8" deep.

Oven: Arrange the chestnuts in a single layer on a baking sheet or roasting pan. Place them in an oven preheated to 240 degrees and bake for at least one hour (more for the larger nuts). As chestnuts roast, outer skins will peel back, exposing the golden meat inside. Check chestnuts and remove them from the oven when they are tender and can easily be pierced with a fork.

Wood Fire: Place chestnuts in a long-handled, metal pan and lay on hot coals. Roast the chestnuts, shaking or turning frequently to promote even cooking and prevent scorching. Cooking time will vary with heat level, so check chestnuts often. Chestnuts are done when they are tender and can easily be pierced with a fork.

Cool chestnuts slightly after cooking, then remove the outer skins and inner membranes while the nuts are still warm.

Boiling

Using a heavy knife or cleaver, cut chestnuts in half and place in boiling water. Boil 10 minutes and drain immediately; peel the chestnuts as soon as they can safely be handled, removing both the outer skins and inner membranes (pellicles).

Note: Reduce boiling time to 6 -10 minutes if chestnuts will be used in a baked dish with additional cooking time.

Microwaving

Score chestnuts with a sharp knife to prevent bursting during the cooking process. Holding the chestnut firmly with the flat side down, carefully score the rounded side of the outer shell by cutting an arc from one side to the other, cutting about 1/8" deep.

In a microwave safe dish, arrange a small number of nuts (12 or less) in a single layer and cover them with a wet paper towel to maintain moisture. Cook 1 to 2 minutes. Chestnuts are done when they are tender and can easily be pierced with a fork.

Cool chestnuts slightly, then remove the outer skins and inner membranes (pellicles) while the nuts are still warm.

Now that your chestnuts are cooked and shelled, they are ready to be eaten and enjoyed or used in your favorite recipes!