Fresh chestnuts

Fresh chestnuts are the edible fruits of the chestnut tree (Castanea sativa), a tree that grows primarily in temperate regions of Europe, Asia, and North America. Unlike other nuts, chestnuts have a high water content and a sweet, delicate flavor, making them ideal for both sweet and savory recipes.

Fresh chestnuts are characterized by their hard, shiny shell, which must be removed before consumption. In cooking, they are used roasted, boiled, or in purées, and are traditional ingredients in autumn and Christmas dishes.

Regarding their nutritional properties, chestnuts are an excellent source of complex carbohydrates, fiber, B-complex vitamins, and minerals such as potassium and magnesium. Furthermore, they have a low fat content compared to other nuts, making them a healthy choice for balanced diets.

In different Latin American countries, fresh chestnuts may be known simply as "castañas" or, in some more specific cases depending on the region, they are also called "marrones" or "castañas de árbol". However, the most common and understood term for this ingredient in recipes is fresh chestnuts.

Their versatility in the kitchen makes them a special ingredient for soups, stews, stuffings, and traditional desserts in various cultures.