Chestnut season is here - and not only are they wonderful warm straight from the oven but there are may foods you can prepare using chestnuts! These starchy nuts contain more starch than potatoes do. This is the only nut that is treated like a vegetable or a grain because of their soft and starchy inside. Traditional nuts are crunchy - chestnuts are not.
Chestnuts must be boiled or roasted before eating because of their high tannic acid. they are cured for a week - which brings out their sweetness. If not completely cooked, digestive problems arise. the thin brown shell and the fuzzy, brown, bitter inside coating is removed before eating or using in cooking.
Used in soups, stuffings, desserts, etc. - chestnuts add a wonderful flavor to your dish!