Chestnut nuts: properties, benefits and harm. Edible chestnut: benefits and harm for humans, reviews

The chestnut family contains approximately 30 species, native to temperate and tropical regions. The most common is the common chestnut, which can be found in temperate and subtropical latitudes of the northern hemisphere. People use not only fruits that they eat, but also wood, which is very valuable in carpentry due to its strength. By the way, the age of individual representatives of this species can reach 1000 years.
With such a variety of varieties, it is important to know that they are divided into edible and ornamental. Ornamental fruits growing on city streets are not suitable for food; there are special varieties for this, for example sweet chestnut. Its homeland is the Balkan Peninsula, where it grows mainly in mountainous areas. Its main requirements for climate are humidity and warmth.
Sweet chestnut becomes especially popular before the Christmas holidays. According to ancient tradition, hot baked chestnuts are sold right on the streets. Before cooking, they are peeled and rubbed with a brush to remove dirt, after which, after making several cuts, they are placed on an open fire or in a special frying pan.

Nutritional value of chestnut

Chestnuts contain the most carbohydrates. The calorie content of the product varies depending on the method of preparation - the raw product contains 165 kcal, when stewed or boiled - 130 kcal, when fried - 180 kcal per 100 grams. Steamed chestnuts are considered dietary - they contain only 56 kcal, although the nutrients in them do not decrease.
Chestnuts contain 2-3% fiber and 3% minerals. In addition, chestnuts are rich in vitamins A, C and B.
Chestnut seeds contain a lot of cumaniric glycosides, triterpene saponin, escin, fatty oil (up to 7%), protein substances (up to 10%), starch (up to 50%) and tannins (1%). The bark also contains sugar and ascorbic acid. The leaves contain carotenoids, glycosides and pectin. The flowers contain flavonoids, pectin and tannins, as well as mucus.
The chestnut fruit is considered a nut, but it contains much less fat than other members of this family. Despite this, this fruit is very filling and nutritious, and therefore more healthy. Due to its texture, it is included in vegetarian diets.

Useful properties of chestnuts

It is well known that an infusion of horse chestnut with alcohol has an anti-inflammatory and anti-edematous effect, thins the blood, can strengthen the walls of blood vessels and lower blood pressure. With its help, you can significantly reduce cholesterol levels in the blood, thus preventing the formation of fatty plaques. The extract can be used to constrict blood vessels and as a pain reliever. Many medicines for external use are made based on chestnut extract.

The main use of chestnut is, of course, aimed at improving the health of blood vessels. For example, chestnut flower juice is used to treat varicose veins, atherosclerosis and hemorrhoids, and with the help of fruit infusion they get rid of diarrhea, malaria and chronic bronchitis. Uterine bleeding can be stopped by a decoction of chestnut skin.
Raw materials for preparing medicines from chestnut can be harvested in the spring, and the fruits can be harvested in the fall, when they are fully ripe. A large number of these products are exported.

Dangerous properties of chestnuts

Even such an abundance of beneficial properties does not negate the fact that chestnut is an allergen, and therefore individual tolerance must be taken into account before using it. For the same reason, it should definitely not be used by children during pregnancy and lactation.
Due to its strong effect on the circulatory system, an overdose of chestnut can cause seizures. If a person has poor blood clotting, hypotension, thrombocytopenia, gastritis, menstrual irregularities, atonic constipation or kidney disease, it is better to avoid chestnuts, as they can only aggravate the disease.

Losing weight with horse chestnut

When losing weight, chestnut will be useful when used externally, as it improves blood circulation and lymphatic drainage. With the help of this product, women who take care of their figure get rid of cellulite and swelling.
Undoubtedly, the effect of using chestnut will be much more noticeable if you use it in combination with physical exercise and anti-cellulite massage.

Recipes for weight loss with chestnuts

Powdered dried chestnut bark is mixed with oil and used for anti-cellulite massage. The bark in this case serves as an exfoliating and stimulating agent.
The combination of chestnut with chamomile decoction and green tea infusion significantly enhances its effect.
If stored for a long time, the massage mixture loses its beneficial properties and can even release toxins, so it should be prepared in small portions and stored in the refrigerator.
During massage, problem areas should be given special attention - they need to be cleaned of skin secretions before the procedure.

It is enough to do this massage every 2 days for a month, increasing the portion of the mixture applied every week, and the result will not take long to arrive. A stronger effect can be obtained if you take a bath before each procedure.

Chestnut during pregnancy

On the issue of using chestnut during pregnancy, doctors are unanimously against it. The fact is that this product has a very strong effect on blood vessels, and any sudden change during pregnancy is unacceptable. It is not even recommended to relieve swelling using medications containing chestnut extract.

Chestnut is a tree that everyone has heard of, but not everyone realizes its amazing properties and features. In this article, you will learn about the incredible benefits of this tree, discover its healing properties, learn to identify edible chestnut fruits by appearance and definitely want to try them.

In this article, the main place is given to edible chestnut. But horse chestnut, which is well known to residents of the European part of Russia, will also be mentioned.

Appearance

Chestnut has several names: edible, noble, real. Beech family, genus Chestnut.

Deciduous tree. Its height reaches 35 m, and the trunk circumference is 2 m. The bark is thick, brown in color with deep longitudinal cracks.

The leaves are sharp-toothed and up to 30 cm long. In summer, the leaves are yellowish-green, and in autumn they turn bright yellow. The inflorescences are light yellow or green in color and resemble long narrow catkins, with female branches in the lower part and male branches in the upper part.

Chestnut fruits are edible nuts that ripen in brown pustules, protected on the outside by numerous long spines and covered with silky felt on the inside. Each bunch ripens 1-4 round or flattened nuts with a smooth, shiny dark brown surface.

How to distinguish edible from inedible

There are also inedible chestnuts in nature. The most famous is horse chestnut. It belongs to the Sapindaceae family, subfamily of Horse-chestnuts.

The main differences between horse chestnut and edible chestnut:

Leaf shape and size.

inflorescences;
the taste of the fruit: horse chestnut is bitter, seed chestnut is sweetish;
the number of fruits in a nut.
the outer shell of the plume: in horse chestnut it is bright green with small tubercles, and in seed chestnut it is brown, with long thorns.

The only similarity between horse chestnut and seed chestnut is the external similarity of the fruit: they are dark brown in color, with a smooth, shiny surface, decorated with a light spot.

Types of Edible Chestnuts

There are about 30 species of chestnut trees and shrubs in the world.

The most popular types of chestnut seeds, the fruits of which can be eaten, are:

European sowing;
Japanese, or crenate;
Chinese is the softest.

Each species differs from each other in its habitat, trunk height, size and shape of leaves and fruits, flowering and fruiting.

Chinese softest chestnut

Where does it grow?

Edible chestnut is a tree with a capricious character. For a rich harvest, this fastidious crop requires a warm climate, air humidity of at least 70% and slightly acidic, moist soil.

Chestnut does not withstand not only drought and summer heat, but also low air temperatures in spring and summer. It loves light, but this does not prevent it from growing in the shade.

In Russia, these chestnuts can only be found in the Krasnodar region. It also grows in Armenia and Azerbaijan. But chestnut fruits from these areas rarely reach the size of even a walnut.

Things are completely different in Italy, France, and Spain. The fruits of European chestnuts grow to the size of a large tangerine, since the climate and soil of these countries are ideal for this wonderful tree. Edible chestnut is also cultivated in the southern part of Ukraine, the Balkans, East Asia and the Atlantic coast of the United States.

Collection and storage

The yield from one mature tree ranges from 60 to 200 kg. Fruiting begins from 3-15 years.

By the time they are fully ripe, chestnut fruits contain the maximum amount of nutrients. The degree of ripeness can be determined by the color of the fruit - they become dark brown. This is the ideal time to start collecting.

The fruits are collected before they begin to fall from the tree, at the time of their almost complete development:

Freshly picked chestnuts are valued significantly higher than dried ones. They contain a maximum of useful substances and are also more pleasant to the taste. Storing fresh harvest fruits is permissible only at temperatures close to zero.

For the purpose of long-term storage, the collected nuts are dried in the open sun or in special dryers and placed in dry, well-ventilated areas.

Leaves are harvested in August - September. They should be no more than 20 cm in length. Then they are laid out in loose layers and dried in shaded places. Storage takes place in cardboard containers or linen bags and always in a dry room.

How to choose and where to buy

The edible chestnut season lasts from August to November. At this time, freshly harvested chestnut fruits and seeds can be purchased in markets and supermarkets. Fresh chestnuts have a short shelf life and spoil quickly. Pickled or frozen chestnuts are available for sale throughout the year.

When choosing edible chestnut fruits, pay attention to:

For shape and size. Nuts should be large and of the same size;
For weight and hardness. Quality chestnuts are heavy and hard;
To the surface. The nuts should be glossy and dark brown in color.

When purchasing edible chestnut fruits at the market, make sure that it is the one you are purchasing. The seeds and fruits of horse chestnut, which is not suitable for human consumption, are also sold in markets.

Characteristics of an edible species

fresh fruits have a sweet, pleasant taste;
after heat treatment, the fruit tastes like potatoes;
beginning of flowering: June, July;
the first flowering occurs at 3-12 years of age;
The diameter of a mature plume in forest chestnuts is up to 6 cm, in cultivated ones – up to 10 cm.

Nutritional value and calorie content

The fruits of chestnut are a unique food product. They have high energy value and are very nutritious. Due to their lower fat content compared to other nuts, chestnuts are considered healthier and less oily.

In 100 gr. fresh nuts contains:

proteins - 1.6 grams;
fats - 1.25 grams;
carbohydrates - 44 grams.

Calorie content of chestnut fruit:

fried – 182 kcal/100 g;
fresh - 166 kcal/100 g;
stewed or boiled – 131 kcal/100 g;
steamed – 56 kcal/100 g.

Chemical composition

Edible chestnut fruits contain:

carbohydrates – up to 62%;
proteins – up to 6%;
fats – up to 5%;
various trace elements: titanium, molybdenum, cobalt, barium, fluorine, aluminum, zinc, copper;
essential mineral salts; phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, sodium, potassium;
fiber – from 2.5 to 3.5%;
sugar – up to 17%;
various vitamins - B1 and B2, C, PP, A;
acids: lactic, citric, malic;
tannins;
oils;
pectins;
flavonoids.

The bark of the trunk and branches of the edible chestnut contains:

glycosides;
oils;
tannins.

Edible chestnut leaves contain:

glycosides;
pectins;
routine;
vitamin K;
ascorbic acid;
flavone compounds;
tannins.

Beneficial features

The chestnut has earned human love not only due to its beauty and delicious taste of the fruit. The amazing abilities of this tree have been discovered for a long time.

Edible chestnut has a beneficial effect on human health, as it has the following medicinal properties:

anti-inflammatory;
antitussive;
wound healing;
painkiller;
antipyretic;
astringent;
hemostatic;
diuretic;
saturating the body with proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, fiber and minerals.

For more information about edible chestnuts, watch the following video.

Horse chestnut has more powerful healing properties. The spectrum of its action is the widest and is used as such means as:

anti-inflammatory;
decongestant;
anticonvulsant;
venotonic;
hemostatic;
astringent;
bactericidal;
wound healing;
analgesic;
sedative;
antioxidant;
antitumor;
tonic;
diuretic;
diaphoretic;
antipyretic;
antithrombic;
antisclerotic;
immuno-strengthening.

Harm

Despite such an impressive list of beneficial properties of chestnut, it is necessary to talk about contraindications and possible harm that eating chestnut fruits or using medicines based on this plant can cause to your health.

When eating chestnuts, the following complications may occur:

disruption of the gastrointestinal tract due to excessive consumption: constipation, diarrhea, bloating.
convulsions;
exacerbation of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, blood, liver and kidneys;
allergic reactions.

Contraindications

Contraindications to the use of edible chestnut in medicinal form and as a food product:

individual intolerance;
hypotension;
decreased blood clotting;
overweight;
chronic renal failure;
pregnancy and breastfeeding (due to the risk of allergic reactions);
Diabetes mellitus is a contraindication for consuming chestnut honey.
menstrual irregularities.

Eating horse chestnut fruits can also cause harm to health when a person unknowingly mistakes them for edible chestnuts. In case of poisoning, nausea occurs and digestion is impaired. It is also possible that allergic reactions may occur when horse chestnut is used externally.

Oil

Since chestnut pulp contains little fat, it is impossible to obtain a large volume of oil from it. Chestnut oil is used in cosmetology for the production of creams and shampoos.

Chestnut oil cares for dry hair and protects it from drying out. It is also used to care for oily skin, restoring its balance. Chestnut oil can protect the skin from ultraviolet radiation.

Application

In cooking

The taste and beneficial qualities of the chestnut nut have made it very popular in the food industry and cooking. Vegetarians include chestnuts in their diet as a source of plant protein.

Edible chestnut fruits:

eaten raw, boiled, stewed, smoked or fried;
ground into flour and coffee drink;
in grated form they are used to make marzipan and chocolate;
processed into alcohol.

Chestnut nut is a real find for creating both modest and sophisticated dishes. In the kitchen it is used as:

seasoning, filling and garnish for meat dishes;
addition to first courses;
seasoning for wheat and oatmeal porridge;
chestnut paste for making toast and sandwiches;
component for the preparation of confectionery and bakery products, pasta and various desserts;
a variety of independent dishes.

How to bake chestnuts in the oven, watch the following video.

Souffle

Two yolks are ground with 50 g. sugar, add vanillin, cinnamon and 20 gr. liqueur and mixed with chestnut puree. Then two well-beaten egg whites are gradually introduced into the dough and everything is mixed.

The soufflé mold is greased with oil, sprinkled with flour and the resulting mass is laid out. Then they are sent to the oven, heated to 200 degrees, for 20-25 minutes. The finished dish is removed from the mold, sprinkled with powdered sugar and served immediately.

French cream soup

500 gr. Peeled chestnuts are boiled over high heat for 5 minutes, then the skin is removed and dipped in 1 liter of boiling meat broth. One onion is sautéed in butter and two grated carrots and one turnip (or celery) are added to it.

Place the vegetables in a pan, add salt and cook for another 10 minutes. until the chestnuts are ready. Let the soup cool slightly and blend it with a blender. Before serving, season with sour cream and garnish with dill or other herbs.

In medicine

The role of edible chestnut in medicine is also invaluable.

Parts of the tree are used fresh and dried in the form of infusions, decoctions and alcohol tinctures to treat many diseases:

inflammatory processes of the upper respiratory tract;
whooping cough;
varicose veins;
diseases of the stomach and intestines;
swelling associated with kidney disease;
epistaxis;
wounds and cuts;
abscesses and boils;
wounds and cuts;
bladder catarrh and dysentery;
dilation of the veins of the anus and rectum;
dilated veins of the nasopharynx;
painful menstruation;
menopause

Flowers for painful menstruation

Dilute 30 drops of chestnut juice with two teaspoons of water and take twice a day.

Leaves for severe cough and whooping cough

A mixture of two teaspoons of crushed chestnut leaves and 250 ml. Bring water to a boil and cook for 3-5 minutes. Then filter and take a sip throughout the day.

Separately, it is necessary to say about chestnut bee honey: rare and incredibly healthy. Its taste is specific: tart and bitter. But its healing properties are undeniable. It saturates the body with vitamins B, C and D, enzymes, various amino acids, as well as calcium, manganese, iron and copper.

Chestnut honey is used:

as a prevention of gastrointestinal diseases, to improve appetite and stimulate bile secretion;
for asthma, bronchitis, sore throat and other respiratory diseases;
to strengthen the cardiovascular system, as well as normalize blood pressure;
for disorders of the nervous system, as it has a calming and relaxing effect;
for various damage to the skin as an antibacterial agent.

To eliminate the bitterness in the taste of chestnut honey, you need to heat it a little over the fire. But in this case, all valuable properties will be lost. Chestnut honey does not crystallize and can be stored for up to three years.

Horse chestnut in medicine

The medicinal properties of horse chestnut have long been used in alternative medicine and are also widely used in pharmaceuticals.

Medicines and traditional medicine based on horse chestnut help with the following diseases:

varicose veins and varicose ulcers;
sinusitis;
haemorrhoids;
arthritic and rheumatic pain;
diarrhea;
malaria;
uterine bleeding;
salts and radionuclides in the body.

Bath with fruit decoction

A bath with a decoction of horse chestnut fruits is effective for the treatment of mastopathy, varicose veins, peripheral circulation disorders, hemorrhoids, rheumatism, thrombophlebitis and vasospasm.

One kilogram of fruit and 5 liters of water are brought to a boil, and then simmered over low heat for 30 minutes. The resulting broth is filtered, poured into the bath, where it cools to 37-38 degrees. This bath is taken for 10-15 minutes before bedtime. Course – 10 - 12 baths, daily or every other day.

Infusion of fruits in water

Take 2 tbsp. chopped horse chestnut fruits, pour boiling water. Place in a water bath for 15 minutes. Strain the broth and take 2 tablespoons. 4 times a day for the following diseases:

cough,
bronchitis,
diarrhea,
kidney inflammation.

Treat yourself until you recover.

Oil for varicose veins, bruises

5 tbsp. pour 0.5 l of crushed fruits. vegetable oil. Place in a water bath for 1 hour. Cool and strain. Rub 2-3 times a day into problem areas.

Treat yourself until you recover.

Alcohol tincture on flowers

Place fresh horse chestnut flowers in a bottle 1/3 full, add alcohol and seal well. Leave for 1 month in a dark, warm place. Shake daily. Strain. Place in the refrigerator for storage.

Alcohol tincture of fruits

30 pcs. Peel the brown peel and chop the horse chestnut fruits, pour 0.5 liters. vodka. Seal and place in a dark place for 1 week. Strain.

Rub into problem areas 2-3 times a day. The course of treatment is 1-2 months.

The tincture is taken internally with the addition of boiled water, 20 drops 3 times a day, 30 minutes before meals. The course of treatment is 4-8 weeks.

The healing properties of this tincture:

thins the blood
for varicose veins,
thrombophlebitis,
bruises,
gkmorroe,
hypertension,
radiculitis,
arthrosis,
osteochondrosis,
sprain.

Infusion of bark on water

1/2 tsp. crushed horse chestnut bark, pour 1 tbsp. boiled water at room temperature. Leave for 8 hours, strain. Take the infusion 3-4 times a day, 2 tbsp. 30 minutes before meals for the following diseases:

hemorrhoids (use both internally and externally),
diseases of the lungs and bronchi
diarrhea,
back diseases (use both internally and externally),
runny nose,
internal bleeding,
gout,
rheumatism.

The course of treatment is from 1 to 4 weeks depending on the disease.

Sitz bath for hemorrhoids treatment

50 gr. horse chestnut bark or branches pour 3 liters. water and bring to a boil. Cook for 15-20 minutes. Strain and pour into a bath of cool water.

Before going to bed after bowel movements, take a bath for 15 minutes. The course of treatment is 2 weeks.

At the same time, take 1 tsp. juice or alcohol tincture of flowers, diluted with water, 2 times a day during the entire course of treatment.

Treatment of sinusitis

Peel fresh horse chestnut fruit. Shape the fruit into a “pencil” shape so that it fits in the nostril. Lubricate the “pencil” with honey and insert it into the nostril.

After 5 minutes, a burning sensation and sneezing will appear. A lot of mucus will be released. Immediately remove the pencil and insert it into the other nostril, leave it until mucus is released.

Do the procedure every other day until recovery. You need to use fresh chestnuts every time.

The drug is used for initial diseases in addition to the prescriptions of the attending physician.

Attention! A prerequisite for using chestnut as a medicine is to consult a doctor.

In production

Chestnut wood is highly valued in construction and furniture production due to its strength, aesthetic appearance and resistance to various fungi. It is stronger than oak, therefore it is recognized as the best for making barrels for aging wine.

Leaves, bark and pluses act as raw materials for obtaining natural dyes and extracts for vegetable tanning of leather.

Extracted chestnut chips are used in the production of cellulose, and chestnut oil is used in soap production.

At home

In everyday life, chestnut trees are used as a decorative element for gardens and summer cottages. Chestnuts are often grown at home.

Varieties

There are more than 400 crops suitable for cultivation. The most common varieties are:

Large-fruited. Fruit weight – 7-12 g. Grows in Azerbaijan;
Small-fruited. Fruit weight – 4.5-6.5 g. Grows in Azerbaijan;
Lyonsky, Bourue de Lillac, Neapolitan. Fruit weight - 20-60 g. Cultivated in Italy, the south of France and the Iberian Peninsula.

Chestnuts with large fruits are not found in the natural environment.

About the red chestnut tree, which is not afraid of the chestnut moth, watch the following video.

Growing and care

To cultivate seed chestnut, certain climatic conditions and soil composition are required. However, there are cultivated varieties of edible chestnut, adapted for wintering, which are grown in temperate climates.

There are several ways to grow chestnuts:

seedlings;
seeds in spring;
seeds in autumn.

Seedlings

For the first method, you need to purchase chestnut seedlings. This can be done at flower markets, but to be completely sure of their quality, it is recommended to contact a specialized nursery.

For planting, a special soil substrate is used, consisting of forest soil (50%), humus (50%), special dolomite flour and slaked lime, 0.5 kg per 50 cm3. This mass is placed in the ground, seedlings are planted to a depth of about 10 cm and watered abundantly with water at a comfortable temperature. Keep in mind that for best fruiting, one seedling needs an area of about 3 meters in diameter.

Seeds in spring

For the spring growing method, fruits of the latest harvest are used, which were kept in temperature conditions from + 5 to 6 ° C for 5 months. Five days before planting in the ground, it is necessary to soak the fruits in warm water. Then their shell swells, and the process of embryo development begins inside. Then these seeds are planted in the ground without shelter.

Seeds in autumn

For the autumn growing method, fallen nuts are collected and a stratification procedure is carried out. The fruits are placed in an open container and covered with sand, and then stored in the cold for 10-12 days. The best temperature regime for seed stratification: from + 5 to 6 °C.

After this, the seeds are planted in well-moistened soil to a depth of 5 or 6 cm, every 10 or 15 cm, and covered with fallen leaves on top. In spring it is necessary to thin out the seedlings.

Care

When caring for a chestnut tree:

watering young trees as the soil dries out;
one-time fertilizer in early spring;
loosening the soil 2 or 3 times during the season;
mulching the soil around the trunk with fallen leaves, sawdust or peat.

For information on growing chestnuts at home, watch the following video.

the beams of the famous Notre Dame Cathedral in Reims are made of Colchis chestnut wood;
during the reign of Alexander the Great, the army's food supplies were provided by harvests from numerous chestnut groves, which were planted specifically for these needs;
More than 75% of the world production of chestnut nuts comes from China (69%) and Korea (7%). Russia's share – 2%;
The lifespan of chestnut seed under optimal conditions is 500 years or more;
spiders never spin webs in buildings made of this wood. Due to this valuable property, chestnut beams were used in the construction of most medieval castles in Europe;
Edible chestnut nuts, cooked over fire, are eaten hot and washed down with grape juice. This combination is the most perfect for gourmets;
Horse chestnut flowers are endowed with valuable properties only during the first 2 days of flowering.

Many people know that chestnuts can be eaten. They are eaten fried or boiled, and are also used as an additional ingredient. In some countries this is a popular delicacy; in France it is considered a national dish. But not all fruits are allowed to be eaten; the benefits and harms of chestnuts for the body depend on the chosen variety.

Features of chestnut

This plant belongs to the beech genus. There are two types of it. Horse chestnut is ubiquitous. These are trees with a lush crown, pyramidal inflorescences and rounded fruits in a shell protected by thorns. They cannot be eaten due to the high content of tannins. In high concentrations, they can cause harm to the body, even cause poisoning.

Unlike horse chestnut, noble chestnut produces edible fruits. It has a different leaf shape; one box can contain up to 4 nuts. These plants are found in subtropical climates; they can mainly be found in Europe, America, and Asia. But those who live in areas where this nut does not grow can enjoy it, because it is easy to purchase in a store.

Chestnut, the benefits and harms of which depend on its composition, has a distinctive feature: the fruit contains much less fat than other nuts. But they also contain a lot of proteins, which is especially important for vegetarians who do not eat animal foods. They also contain fiber, tanning components and sugar.

The mineral and vitamin composition of chestnut fruits is also rich.

Vitamin K can stop bleeding and is needed for the proper formation of bone and muscle tissue.
Vitamin A supports visual acuity and has regenerative qualities.
Vitamin C strengthens the body's defenses and has a positive effect on blood vessels.
B vitamins are needed for the normal functioning of the nervous system and improve the condition of the skin and hair.
Magnesium: also has a beneficial effect on the nervous system, normalizes blood pressure.
Potassium normalizes the functioning of the cardiovascular system.
Copper is essential for maintaining hormonal balance.

The benefits of chestnut are very great. But only if you eat the fruits in moderation, because they are quite high in calories - about 170 kcal per 100 g. Moreover, their calorie content is lower than that of other nuts, so even those who are on a diet can include them in their diet. You also need to remember that roasted chestnuts are higher in calories than those prepared in any other way.

Effect on the body and contraindications

It is not for nothing that chestnut nuts are valued, the benefits and harms of which largely depend on the method of consumption. Fruits give strength and provide the body with a supply of energy, they improve memory and increase performance. They are recommended to eat during periods of stress and chronic fatigue. Thanks to the fiber they contain, nuts will help improve digestion and normalize intestinal function. Tanning components help relieve diarrhea. The fruits make sleep calm and sound, eliminate insomnia.

Chopped edible chestnut can be added to wholemeal flour for baking. This powder will also be an unusual seasoning for porridge.

Not only nuts are useful, but also other parts of the plant, that is, leaves, flowers and bark.

A decoction of fruits and leaves has anti-inflammatory properties and is recommended for use in the treatment of the upper respiratory tract.
To relieve tired legs, you can take baths with a similar decoction.
A decoction of the bark will help relieve swelling of the nasopharynx. It is used to rinse the nose.
The benefit of chestnut is that an infusion of the bark and fruit helps with hemorrhoids. You need to drink a tablespoon of the product three times a day.
The infusion can be used to treat weeping wounds.

Not everyone is recommended to eat edible chestnuts. Their benefits and harms are explained by their composition. There are some contraindications: they should not be introduced into the diet if you have kidney failure; pregnant women and nursing mothers should also avoid them. Individual intolerance also sometimes occurs.

Cooking methods

The question may arise about how to cook chestnuts. The beneficial properties may depend on the recipe chosen. Baked fruits are especially popular in a number of countries. It's very easy to make them. You need to lightly cut the top of each nut so that they do not burst. Then place on a baking sheet and place in a preheated oven for a quarter of an hour. When they have cooled a little, you should peel them. Can be seasoned with butter.

Other recipes use peeled chestnut fruits. Their benefits and harms do not change as a result of separation from the shell. To facilitate the process, the nuts are immersed in hot water for a couple of minutes, after cutting the skin. It is important to completely remove all films, as they are bitter. Then you can prepare such dishes.

Boiled chestnuts.

A simple method, but there is no doubt about the health benefits of chestnuts prepared in this way. They should be cleaned, filled with cold water and put on fire. After 20-30 minutes, when they become soft enough, the water should be poured out, and the fruits themselves should be covered with a lid and kept for 10 minutes in a warm place. Serve with the addition of butter.

Chestnut puree (used for sauces).

To get an unusual addition to meat, you should boil the fruits in meat broth. After a quarter of an hour, remove and mash thoroughly with a fork or chop using a blender. Then you need to add cream, butter, salt and nutmeg to taste. To stir thoroughly.

You can also get a sweet sauce for desserts. To do this, chestnuts are boiled in sweetened milk.

The use of chestnut for treatment and cosmetology

Chestnut, the benefits and harms of which deserve attention, is used not only as a tasty dish. Treatment with its help is also possible. Horse chestnut tincture has proven itself especially well. The product helps reduce the appearance of radiculitis and varicose veins and even gets rid of cellulite.

To prepare a drug for thrombophlebitis, a bottle of vodka will require 50 g of raw materials. The product should be allowed to brew for a week in a dark place, then drink twice a day before meals.
The benefit of chestnuts lies in their ability to reduce varicose veins. To do this, 100 g of fruits along with the shell are rolled through a meat grinder, poured with a liter of vodka and left for three weeks. Then filter and apply to the skin overnight without rinsing.
This same remedy will relieve pain in the joints; to do this, you need to rub them at night.

You can also use these recipes using horse chestnut.

For 5 liters of water you need to take 1 kg of raw materials along with the peel. Cook for an hour. Strain, then add to bath. It is also permissible to make promises by wetting bandages and wrapping them around the legs. The product helps relieve heaviness in the legs and improves the condition of the veins.
This product is suitable for fighting cellulite. 100 g of chopped nuts should be mixed with the same amount and 200 g of olive oil. Let it brew for several days, immediately before use add orange or grapefruit essential oil. Then massage on problem areas.
To relieve lower back pain, you can mix lard and ground fruits, apply it to a cabbage leaf, place it on your lower back and tie it with something warm.

The benefits of chestnuts are noticeable in cosmetology. The healing qualities allow the fruits to be used in skin and hair products. They are able to protect the skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays, so they can be found in sunscreens. Walnut oil will help increase turgor and nourish aging skin. It is applied to the face for a quarter of an hour, then washed off with warm water.

A simple infusion can have a tightening effect. To get it, you need to pour boiling water over the crushed fruits and let it stand for a couple of hours. You should wipe your face with the resulting product every day.

Chestnuts can be a valuable addition to the diet, tasty and nutritious. Edible and horse chestnuts should not be confused. The former are suitable for consumption, the latter are suitable for preparing medicinal tinctures. When using such products, the benefits and harm to the body depend on how correctly the preparation technology and dosage are followed.

They are enjoyed not only in Paris, on Place Pigalle. However, for most of our compatriots, such an autumn delicacy still remains a little-known product. But not only is it one of the most delicious additions to dishes and desserts: edible chestnuts also have benefits that not many people know about.

Beneath the shiny dark brown skin lies a nutty flavor. It can be described as slightly mealy and sweet. As it turns out, chestnut fruits are not only edible and even tasty, but also have unique properties in terms of promoting health. Here are some facts about the bounty of the beech chestnut tree and how to handle it in the kitchen.

Edible chestnuts: benefits of consumption

Edible chestnuts differ from their "cousins" nuts in their higher content antioxidants and vitamins. 100 grams of this product contain the same amount of vitamin C as 100 grams of lemon, which is famous for its amount. Thanks to this, chestnuts have a positive effect on the immune system: they strengthen the body and counteract infections.
The benefit of edible chestnuts is that it is a tasty dose potassium, magnesium, folic acid, other B vitamins and vitamin E, called the vitamin of youth.
Chestnuts contain about one-fifth of the recommended daily value fiber, which is necessary for the proper functioning of our intestines. In addition, it helps reduce blood cholesterol levels.
Edible chestnut fruits are also rich unsaturated fatty acids, in particular, oleic and palmitoleic. According to scientists, their consumption can increase the level of good cholesterol and lower the level of bad cholesterol.
Traditional Chinese medicine believes that chestnuts are one of the most important sources of life-giving energy. Due to their shape they are called fruits kidney. They actually restore the energy of this organ in a very effective way. The Chinese believe that the kidneys are the main supplier of energy for the body. If these organs do not work properly, tendons and bones become weakened. That is why edible chestnuts are useful because they are used for strengthening bones and joints, and also for increasing overall performance and energy, endurance, improvement of physical condition in general.

Chestnuts: how to cook and how to eat?

They can also be eaten raw, but they taste much better hot. In addition, in this case the body absorbs them better.

Attention: you can only eat yellow gifts of nature. Dark ones can be bitter. Fruits that are moldy inside should be thrown away immediately.

The fruits of these trees are most often grilled. How to cook chestnuts in this case?

1. Before sending the future delicacy to the stove or oven, each of them needs to be pricked (for example, with a needle) in several places or the peel should be cut crosswise along the length. This must be done, because otherwise they will burst and jump up with a bang.

People who are starting to prepare such a delicacy for the first time are advised to lightly boil the chestnuts in salted water. Thanks to this, they will become softer and will help cooks avoid such flaws as too hard pulp or a hard shell that cannot be removed.

2. Strained and cooled fruits are placed on a baking sheet, flat side to the bottom, and baked for a quarter of an hour at 220 degrees on the bottom shelf.

Chestnut is a strong tree with a powerful root system. You can meet chestnut trees in the wild in the southern latitudes of the northern hemisphere of our planet. The fruits of the tree are chestnut nuts, valued for their high nutritional value and consumed as food. The bark, foliage and fruits are valuable raw materials in the pharmaceutical, medical and cosmetology industries.

Enthusiasts quietly grow chestnuts in mid-latitudes, obtaining a harvest of a nut unusual for central Russia. Chestnut nuts, in addition to food, are in demand in folk medicine, which reveals their medicinal properties.

This article will focus on a nut that is no less common than the walnut. This is a chestnut. You will learn more about how to prepare it correctly, what can be made from it, and what it will be useful for. Can children or expectant mothers eat it? You will also learn how you can easily grow chestnuts right on your property or even at home.

What is a chestnut

Chestnut is a tree belonging to the Beech family. It can reach fifty meters in height. And the diameter is about two meters. The bark of the tree is dark brown, thick and deeply furrowed.

The chestnut tree reaches a height of 20-50 m from the base of the trunk, often 2 m in diameter. The bark is often reticulated with deep grooves or cracks spiraling in both directions along the trunk. The long lanceolate, toothed leaves are 16-28 cm long and 5-9 cm wide.

The leaves of this tree have an oblong shape and sharp “teeth”. Light green in summer, in autumn they change their color to yellow. The length of the leaf plate can reach up to twenty centimeters. As for chestnut flowers, they are collected in inflorescences up to fifteen centimeters long, and resemble spikelets.

The chestnut tree begins to bear fruit only after reaching the age of about twelve years. But it's wild. If we talk about the “domesticated” chestnut, then it begins to bear fruit at about the age of four to ten years. In the first decade of its life, the tree grows rather slowly. And it bears fruit once every couple of years, in the first two autumn months.

Sometimes in the name of chestnut you can hear such additional words as noble, real, edible.

What type of chestnut does it look like?

The fruits of this tree are spherical in shape, surrounded by a shell densely covered with thorns. During the ripening period, the shell is green, but in mature fruits it is brown. There are up to four nuts inside the shell. When the fruit is fully ripe, the shell cracks and the fruit falls out.

The nut itself has a spherical or slightly flattened shape. Its surface is dark brown and smooth. The diameter of the nut can be up to six centimeters.

In what area does chestnut grow?

Chestnuts love warmth and moisture. And soil with a weak acidity level. This tree does not tolerate long-term heat and especially drought.

Chestnut can often be found in America, eastern Asia, the Mediterranean, Russia, Ukraine and the Transcaucasus. Interestingly, the size of the chestnut may depend on where exactly it grows. So, for example, in Armenia chestnuts rarely grow to the size of a walnut, but in some European countries, on the contrary, this nut can compete in size, for example, with a large tangerine.

How to find edible chestnuts

Please note that edible chestnut should not be confused with horse chestnut. The latter variety of chestnut cannot be eaten. It's not that difficult to tell them apart. These chestnuts differ from each other in literally everything - in the structure of the inflorescences, in the shape of the leaves, and in the way the nuts themselves look.

Remember that the edible chestnut leaves have an elongated shape and spines at the ends. And the inflorescences look like long and narrow women's earrings. In contrast, horse chestnut blooms more luxuriantly, so it plays more of a decorative role.

edible chestnut photo

The edible chestnut is covered with a brown shell covered with many spines. And horse chestnut has a bright green shell that is more lumpy than prickly. And finally, the taste. Edible fruits are mealy-sweet. And inedible ones are bitter.

horse chestnut fruit photo

Composition of nuts

Vitamins: A, B, C;
Chemical elements: calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, fluorine, zinc;
Other useful elements: proteins, tannins, fats, fiber, pectins, carbohydrates,

One hundred grams of raw chestnut nuts contains 165 kilocalories. And fried ones have 16 calories more.

The benefits of chestnut for the human body

The main beneficial qualities of chestnut lie in its enriched composition. Nuts have the ability to relieve inflammation, high fever, eliminate pain and soothe cough. These fruits are widely used to treat colds. Chestnut is able to relieve the lungs of a debilitating cough in record time. In addition, chestnuts also support digestion.

They can improve appetite and eliminate diarrhea. In addition, chestnut nuts can stabilize kidney function. They are also used to lower blood pressure and strengthen vascular walls. Chestnut will help cope with varicose veins, stop bleeding and heal small wounds. The fruits help to recover faster from burns or cut wounds.

edible chestnut and

Uses of chestnut

The main use of chestnut, of course, is traditional medicine. Chestnuts help treat diseases related to digestion, breathing and nerves. These nuts will help in the fight against arthritis and radiculitis. During the treatment process, both whole nuts and compresses from the ground mass are used.

And, of course, chestnuts are often used in cooking. With their help they prepare first courses, second courses and even sweets! European cuisine is rich in dishes with chestnuts. For example, they simply love chestnuts in sweet syrup.

How to properly cook chestnuts

There are two options for preparing chestnut nuts: you can either boil them or fry them. The only thing that is important is that the chestnuts need to be cleared of shells and film. If you don't do this, then the nuts will be bitter.

To clean chestnut fruits well, you need to make cuts on them, and then boil them in boiling water for literally five minutes. Then remove from the stove, cover and leave to stand for another fifteen minutes. The nuts will need to be peeled while they are still warm. This will be more convenient and easier.

Boiling on medium gas for fifteen minutes will help bring the nuts to full readiness. Or you can fry them in a frying pan with the lid closed. You can also bake chestnuts in the oven. They need to be placed on a baking sheet and placed in the oven for twenty minutes, maximum half an hour.

Chestnut will help you lose weight

The fat content of chestnuts is quite low, which is why nutritionists often use it to help lose weight. Chestnuts even help get rid of cellulite, eliminate swelling and improve blood flow.

And chestnut oil often becomes an additive for anti-cellulite creams and lotions. Chestnut tinctures also effectively help get rid of excess.

Chestnut for children

Traditional medicine does not provide any advice regarding when to add chestnut nuts to a child’s diet. Pediatricians, for example, do not recommend giving them before the child turns five years old.

According to experts, before this age, chestnut can put a big burden on the baby’s digestion. Which in turn can cause bloating and even constipation. Be that as it may, you should not give your child raw chestnuts.

The best way to do this is to boil them and grind them to a puree. It would be best to add it to mashed potatoes or soup.

Chestnut for expectant and young mothers

It is no secret that chestnuts help overcome sudden mood swings that women often experience during pregnancy. Chestnuts help improve blood pressure, stabilize sleep, and strengthen the skeleton. Chestnuts contain a lot of fiber, which will only benefit the digestion of the expectant mother.

Chestnuts stimulate lactation during breastfeeding. The fruits of this nut are rich in vitamins, which will only improve the quality of breast milk. But before eating them, it would be a good idea to consult a doctor.

Roasted chestnut

Roasted chestnuts are far from an exotic dish. Southerners enjoy preparing nuts this way using a simple recipe. However, untrained people should use roasted chestnuts with caution. Nuts may be a product with signs of individual intolerance.

In addition, people who decide to lose a little weight should remove roasted chestnuts from their diet. The high calorie content and large amount of carbohydrates contained in nuts will lead to the opposite result.

Any product requires an individual approach, chestnut is no exception. Here are a few secrets to the roasted chestnut recipe:

First rule. The main thing is not to overdo it and not to overcook, otherwise the chestnuts will turn out dry, tough and not tasty.
Do not grease the pan with any oil.
Pour the chestnuts into a frying pan and put on fire. The trick is that before frying, the nuts must be cut with a sharp knife, and a frying pan must be chosen with a thick bottom.
It is necessary to remove the peel from the finished chestnuts, it is better to do this immediately, otherwise it will be problematic to remove it from the cooled nuts.
We remove films and membranes.
Don't be greedy. Don't fry too much. Half-eaten cold chestnuts dry out and become tasteless.

Chestnut jam

Chestnut jam is very popular in the culinary field. Not only on its own, but also as a filling for baked goods and other desserts. This sweetness can be stored for up to six months. To increase shelf life, jam should be rolled into sterilized jars or frozen.

Components:

Chestnut fruits – 0.5 kilograms;
Sugar – 0.5 kilograms;
Water – 0.3 liters;
Rum – 1 tablespoon.

Grind the chestnut nuts into powder through a sieve. Pour water into a saucepan, put it on gas and add sugar. Stir frequently until the sugar is completely dissolved. Then add chestnut crumbs to the syrup and cook for about half an hour, stirring from time to time so that they do not burn.

When the jam becomes thick and darkens to a rich brown color, pour in the rum and simmer for just a couple more minutes. After this, you can pour the jam into jars and roll up.

Chestnut honey: beneficial properties and contraindications

Chestnut honey is no less useful than flower or buckwheat honey. First of all, it is a very effective natural antibiotic. You can not only eat it. This honey can be used to treat wounds and burns - chestnut honey perfectly relieves inflammation.

It is often used to cure diseases associated with breathing or the genitourinary system. Chestnut honey can improve digestion. It will be especially useful in spring and autumn - it will strengthen the immune system and help resist viruses.

Restrictions on use

Undoubtedly, this is a useful product. But even he has his limitations. So, you should not eat chestnuts in any of their forms if you have:

Allergic reaction;
Diabetes;
Bleeding in the stomach;
The menstrual cycle is disrupted;
Kidney failure.

But even if everything is in order, you should not exceed the daily intake of forty grams. If you overeat chestnuts, you may experience problems with your digestive system: bloating or even constipation.

How to grow a chestnut tree yourself

Chestnuts are not that difficult to grow on your own plot or even in an apartment. At the very beginning, of course, you need to collect ripe chestnuts in the fall. They must be intact.

It is easy to grow nuts on the plot. To do this, plant several nuts at a depth of five centimeters and at a distance of approximately ten centimeters. In spring you will see the first shoots.

To grow chestnuts at home, you need to leave the nuts on the balcony until the first frost. And then put it on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator for the whole winter. Towards the end of February, the nuts should be transferred to pots with soil and placed on the windowsill. The first shoots will appear in a month or two