What are the hidden secrets and benefits of chestnuts?

I have loved chestnuts forever, since I was a child and went with my parents to visit my uncles in the mountains, in the Lessinia (VR) area, to look for the burrs that still contained them. 
Chestnuts have always been considered the food that marks the beginning of autumn and the food of the poor, especially in the past. This is because they were an abundant, inexpensive, and easily obtainable food.

Cultivation and soil

Chestnuts grow on chestnut trees (surname and name Castanea sativa), which were widely distributed in many mountainous regions of Europe and are still present today in various areas. They can also be found in unexpected places, such as Sardinia and the Island of Elba!

Chestnut trees prefer well-drained and deep soils. These trees can live for hundreds of years, producing fruit every autumn. They are majestic.

Source of nutrients

Chestnuts are very nutritious and represent an important source of carbohydrates, fiber, and vitamins.
They also contain minerals such as potassium, iron, and magnesium. Chestnuts are low in fat and contain no cholesterol, making them an excellent choice for a balanced diet.

Have you ever tried them raw?

A peculiarity of chestnuts is that they can be consumed both cooked and raw, although they are generally cooked before being eaten. I have never eaten them raw.
They can be roasted, boiled, or used to prepare chestnut flour, which is widely used in traditional dessert preparations.

Chestnuts are a versatile and nutritious food that can be used in many culinary preparations. Besides being tasty, chestnuts offer numerous health benefits due to their nutrient content.

Matteo Castioni