ROASTING CHESTNUTS

Now is the season to roast Chestnuts! Chestnuts are a sweet and buttery nut with a starchy texture and a low-fat content. Chestnuts are eaten as traditional foods in much of Asia and Europe, where they are consumed fresh, cooked, candied, and as a source of flour for pastries. When cooked, the flavor and texture is similar to sweet potatoes.

Tips on roasting chestnuts: Cut an "X" shape into the flat side of each chestnut. Use a sharp knife to do this. This will make the chestnuts roast faster, allowing the steam to escape from the chestnuts. Place them on a baking sheet with the cut side up. Roast 15-20 minutes at 400 degrees, keeping an eye on them so they don’t burn. Let them cool slightly before easily removing the shell. Thanksgiving is a only a few weeks away and Chestnuts are delicious added to stuffing, mashed and served with butter like potatoes or try adding them to Japanese rice for a fall favorite.

Earl’s chestnuts are grown by Etter Orchards in Redway, California in Humboldt County.