Preparing and Cooking Fresh Chestnuts
Once you receive your nuts, keep cool in the refrigerator in their mesh bag until they are ready to eat!
For the best results, start by rinsing your Barnswallow chestnuts under cool water.
Before cooking, be sure to score each chestnut to keep it from bursting. You must score the chestnuts prior to using all cooking methods below. We recommend using a chestnut knife to make an “X” on the flat side across the entire diameter of the nut. People are also using bread knives and meat pointers to open up the nuts. You can also use a chestnut cutting tool, which is child safe and cuts down on time. For your own safety, place the flat side down on your cutting board and score on the other side. This gives you a steadier grip and helps prevent slips.
To hydrate the nuts after scoring and prior to cooking, either let sit in water for 30-40 minutes or place in a stovetop/cast iron pan, completely cover with water and bring to a boil. Let the steam escape until there is no water left in the pan. You do not have to do this step if only simply boiling or steaming the nuts.
Air Frying Chestnuts
Air frying is our top recommendation for cooking chestnuts. Set your air fryer to 400°F. Arrange the scored chestnuts on the air fryer tray and cook for 12-17 minutes. The shells will open as they roast, giving you perfectly tender chestnuts. After cooking, wrap the chestnuts in a clean moistened towel to cool for 10 minutes, then peel while warm.
Baking Chestnuts
Preheat your oven to 400-425°F. Place the scored chestnuts on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until tender. Watch as the shells start to open. If you want longer roasting time, set temp lower at 350°F. At the farm, we just let them cool and peel and eat out of the shell. You can also wrap them in a clean moistened towel to cool for about 10 minutes, then peel while warm. Baking chestnuts is a classic method to enjoy their rich flavor. I like to add butter, honey and sea salt.
Boiling Chestnuts
Place the scored chestnuts in a pot of cool water and boil for 15-20 minutes. Once they reach your desired tenderness, remove them from the water and let them cool slightly. Peel while still warm for the best taste and texture. Boiling is a simple way to prepare chestnuts if you prefer a more traditional method.
Microwaving Chestnuts
Place the scored chestnuts in a microwave-safe dish with a small amount of water. Cover and microwave for 2-3 minutes, checking for tenderness. Once done, allow them to cool slightly and peel while warm. Microwaving is a quick and convenient method if you're short on time.
Roasting Chestnuts On Stove Top
Use a chestnut-roasting pan over medium heat. Move the pan periodically to ensure even cooking. Roast for 15-20 minutes, or until the shells start to peel open. After roasting, wrap the chestnuts in a clean moistened towel to cool for 5-10 minutes, then peel while warm. Roasting chestnuts adds a wonderful smell, especially if adding ingredients like butter, honey/maple syrup, salt, etc.
Barbecuing/Fire Roasting Chestnuts
Place the scored chestnuts in a barbecue basket, chestnut roasting pan or wrap in aluminum foil. Roast over coals for about 15 minutes, moving them around occasionally. Once done, remove from heat and let them cool wrapped in a moistened towel. Peel while warm. Barbecuing chestnuts is perfect for outdoor gatherings and adds a smokey flavor.
