About Roasting Chestnuts
Roasting chestnuts serves two purposes, being able to create a healthy snack and food source, but also for creating an activity that can be shared by friends and family during the holiday season.
The Facts
The chestnut is an edible nut that is grown from a chestnut tree. Chestnuts are tasty and can be roasted to create a flavor that can be enjoyed by itself or with other foods. Roasting chestnuts create a flavor and aroma that creates atmosphere and allows for an enjoyable eating experience.
Type
There are four types of chestnuts that can be roasted. The American, Chinese, European and the Japanese Chestnut. The American Chestnut is found southern and eastern states in the USA and is popular for roasting especially during the holiday season. The Chinese Chestnut is often referred to as the Asiatic Chestnut and is grown in China. This chestnut is popular in many Asian dishes. The European Chestnut is one of the sweetest tasting chestnuts and is well sought after by chestnut connoisseurs. The Japanese Chestnut is grown and picked in Japan.
Identification
A chestnut can be found growing on a chestnut tree and can be identified on the tree by being encased by a green spiky outer shell called a burr. The burr looks similar to a thistle. The chestnut tree is about the size of a large bush and can sometimes be confused as a bush. Chestnuts are removed from the tree when the burr begins to brown and split, the outer shell is then disposed of. The raw chestnut is usually light brown in color. When a chestnut is roasted it can appear dark brown, almost black, and initially have a wet look, as the oils from the chestnut are released during the roasting process. A smoky burnt aroma can be easily recognized as the chestnuts are being roasted.
Size
The size of a roasted chestnut is about the size of a fifty cent piece in diameter. The size of the chestnut does not differ much between before it's been roasted than after. If the chestnut is still in its spiky shell it can be as big as golf ball.
Function
To roast chestnuts, a heat source needs to first be established. A fire or an oven are the most traditional ways to roast the nuts. A container to hold the nuts is essential in roasting so that the chestnuts cook evenly and do not burn. A popcorn or nut cooker is a covered pan with long handles. The chestnuts can be placed in the cooker and rotated by hand every three minutes over an open flame. An aluminum foiled cookie sheet also serves as a good surface in which to roast chestnuts. Chestnuts can also be cooked over medium heat in a frying pan on the stove. Generally chestnuts take about 20 minutes to roast completely on a medium to high heat source. When the chestnuts are finished being roasted they will break open slightly. Chestnuts tend to make a popping noise when the oils are released from the inside of the nut. They can be served in paper sacks and sprinkled with salt or with a light cinnamon and sugar coating.
History of
The time honored tradition of roasting chestnuts is popular during most holiday seasons as a way of bringing family and friend's closer together by being gathered around the fire or hearth. In Italy, chestnuts used to be labeled a poor man's food as they were an easily grown food staple and would be used to feed the less fortunate on several occasions. Chestnuts have been used for centuries as a good source of carbohydrate and vitamin C.
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