Chestnut Storage & Cooking

What are Edible Sweet Chestnuts:

Edible sweet chestnuts are a starchy, slightly sweet treat enjoyed during the fall across Europe, the Mediterranean, and Asia. While most native chestnut trees in America fell victim to chestnut blight in the early 1900s, we still cherish the classic song, "Chestnuts roasting on an open fire." We are working to revive the chestnut tradition in the United States with European hybrid trees cultivated near Rogers City.

Chestnut Storage:

For optimal chestnut storage, keep them in the refrigerator. If you plan to save some for the holiday season—perhaps for chestnut stuffing for your Thanksgiving turkey—place them in a zip-lock style bag with holes punched in it and store them in the fridge. As they age in cold storage, chestnuts become sweeter and easier to peel.

Easy Peeling:

To make peeling chestnuts easier, score and soak them in cool water for 2 hours before cooking. This simple step significantly aids in the peeling process.

Cooking Chestnuts:

♦ VERY IMPORTANT! Always score the nuts before cooking. Use a knife or kitchen scissors to make a slit in the shell, allowing steam to escape and preventing any chestnut explosions.

♦ Method 1: Score 5-8 nuts, place them in a microwavable container, and cover them with a damp paper towel. Microwave for 1.5 to 2 minutes, then peel and enjoy!

♦ Method 2: Score the nuts, place them on a baking sheet, and roast at 425°F for 25 minutes.

♦ Method 3: Score the nuts and boil them in water for 20 minutes.

♦ Method 4: Score the nuts and cook them on the stovetop in a Dutch oven or cast-iron pan. Roast the nuts until done, stirring them to prevent burning. They are ready when the outsides are toasted and pulling away from the score line.

♦ Explore a wealth of other ideas on how to cook or cook with chestnuts online!