The Taste of Autumn: Chestnuts - Enjoying Seasonal Ingredients

With the arrival of autumn comes chestnut season. Chestnuts, a type of acorn, have been eaten since ancient times and are still enjoyed as a taste of autumn in Japan. There are many varieties, and we will introduce their characteristics and how to enjoy them

With the arrival of autumn comes chestnut season. Chestnuts, a type of acorn, have been eaten since ancient times and are still enjoyed as a taste of autumn in Japan. In this article, we will introduce chestnut varieties, their characteristics, nutritional value, and how to use them in detail

Chestnut varieties and characteristics

Chestnuts are in the Fagaceae family, the same family as acorns, and wild chestnuts have been eaten in Japan since ancient times. Later, they began to be cultivated as fruit trees, and various varieties were developed. Representative varieties include "Tamba" and "Ginyosi," which are large and very sweet. Sweet chestnuts sold as grilled chestnuts are small but richly sweet, and their skin peels easily. However, because sweet chestnuts are native to China, it is difficult to cultivate them at home in Japan

Chestnut season and how to choose them

Chestnut season begins in late August, with shipments peaking in October. They also keep well, so you can enjoy them in stores until the end of the year. When choosing chestnuts, look for ones with firm skin and no blemishes or scratches. Heavy, plump chestnuts are fresh

Nutritional value of chestnuts and their uses in cooking

Chestnuts are classified as fruits, but they are in fact nuts and contain a lot of carbohydrates. They are also rich in nutrients such as vitamin C, potassium, and dietary fiber. To enjoy their simple flavor, we recommend boiling them and eating them as is. They can also be used in a variety of dishes, such as sweet stews, baked chestnuts, chestnut rice, kinton (sweetened chestnut paste), Japanese and Western sweets. In particular, their unique flavor can be enjoyed by stewing them with chicken or adding them to stir-fries. Commercially available sweet stewed chestnuts are also easy to use, so be sure to give them a try

summary

Chestnuts are a sign of the coming of autumn. They are an ingredient that allows you to fully enjoy their unique taste and flavor. Try using them in a variety of dishes, from simple boiled chestnuts to various other dishes. Enjoy the taste of autumn and the change of seasons

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