CHESTNUTS

These nutrient-dense, calorie-wise nuts pack a nutritional punch, and make a festive addtition in all kinds of sweet and savoury dishes, writes Laura Jeha.

- Laura Jeha

ROASTED CHESTNUTS ARE one of my favourite treats during the winter holiday season. Growing up, I loved the ritual of shelling and sharing them with my family and, of course, enjoying their rich, buttery taste. Now I also appreciate their nutritional punch.

Chestnuts come from the sweet chestnut tree and were first cultivated in the Mediterranean 3,000 years ago. They grow in a prickly green casing called a burr, which splits open and falls from the tree once it’s ripe. Chestnut season is relatively short, from October through December, so scoop them up while you can!

More than just a snack

Chestnuts have a creamy texture but are approximately 40