Chestnuts are a highly nutritious, gluten-free nut that can be eaten as a hearty snack or utilized in a variety of dishes spanning an array of cultures.
Compared to other tree nuts, chestnuts have about 100-150 fewer calories per serving, totaling 55 calories. Fewer calories doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice protein either. 4.6 grams of protein per serving means only almonds offer more of this essential nutrient.
A chestnut’s total fat content, 3.5 grams per serving, is a fifth of most other nuts, making them perfect for low-fat diets. They’re also rich in minerals, including iron, calcium, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, and zinc (0.9 mg/100 g), and make for an excellent source amount of potassium (518 mg/100 g).
While chestnuts are called “the grain that grows on trees” for their high nutritional value, they share a key benefit with one of our favorite fruits: the lemon! Like lemons, one serving of chestnuts can provide you with 72% of your daily recommended intake for vitamin C.
Incorporate chestnuts in your next meal, whether a garnish or the star ingredient, or follow along with our Italian-inspired chestnut recipes from Bellavita Food’s in-house chef, Sara Federici.
Buon appetito!
