Chestnuts

Chestnuts are the fruit of the chestnut tree, are rich in nutrients and until a few years ago represented the staple food of mountain populations and in times of famine, hence the name "bread of the poor". Chestnuts are also rich in vitamins, especially vitamin B and C, folic acid, very important during pregnancy, and are ideal for convalescents, in the elderly and in case of fatigue and chronic fatigue. These fruits are energetic, contain minerals such as manganese, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, zinc and potassium, and help the good balance of the nervous system. Chestnuts do not contain gluten but are rich in carbohydrates with a high satiating power and, thanks to the fibers, help in case of constipation. Chestnuts can be eaten in several ways: boiled, roasted, tasty but more caloric, but also in soups and desserts. From the dried chestnuts the chestnut flour is obtained, this flour represents the base of a typical traditional Italian sweet also enriched with raisins and pine nuts: the “castagnaccio”. The chestnuts are not recommended in case of diabetes, because of the high sugar content, and in case of colitis. Finally, a clarification: you hear of chestnuts and marroons, chestnuts are smaller, with a dark and hard skin and come from trees that grow wild, maroons instead are larger, have a clearer skin and come from cultivated trees.