Sometimes I feel like my yard really is the Garden of Eden. Every time I turn around, there’s another plant or tree or shrub sprouting food I didn’t know was there.
The latest example: Chestnuts. We’ve lived here for a handful of years now, and only yesterday it dawned on us that we should probably harvest the nuts littering the ground beneath the two giant Chinese chestnut trees in our yard.
A chestnut peaks from its razor sharp, cactus-like shell. The shell HURTS!!!
Luckily for my fingers, chestnuts seem to birth their way from their protective shells on their own....aided by nut-loving squirrels, of course.
Last night's haul. I've never eaten chestnuts so I'm not exactly sure what to do with them. Any suggestions?
They taste, uh, nutty, but I notice the texture is a little more moist than nuts I'm used to eating. I wonder if I have to let them dry out for awhile first?
All original content © 2012 by Jessie Knadler
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Today as I was reading the “Flavor” section of our local newspaper and came across an article about this site. Glad I looked it up, very good reading.
I believe the way to eat chestnuts is to roast them first. Have a good day..
Sue, thank you for the feedback! You must tell me which local newspaper referenced this blog. That’s news to me. And I’m going to roast the chestnuts tonight. Jessie
Put them in a pot of boiling water for 20-30 minutes, let them cool down, and then peel them. They become softer in texture and the heat brings out the sugar, making them a lot sweeter than eating them raw.
Hi D. An: I roasted a bunch, which were delicious, but next time I’ll have to boil a bunch per your recommendation. Will let you know how they turn out.