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It's time to celebrate the unique and delicious flavour of Aussie grown chestnuts! With their mealy texture and delicate taste, chestnuts are the perfect ingredient for a range of sweet and savoury dishes. But don't wait too long to try them - the season only runs from mid-March to July.

When choosing chestnuts, look for firm nuts with shiny brown shells that feel heavy for their size. And to keep them fresh, store them in a paper bag in the refrigerator crisper for 2-3 days, or in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 10 days. Cooked chestnuts can be kept in the fridge for 3-4 days, or frozen for up to 6 months.

 And the best part? Chestnuts are not only delicious, they're also good for you! They're a great source of low GI carbohydrates, dietary fibre, protein, and essential nutrients like folate, magnesium, vitamin C, and antioxidants. Plus, they're gluten-free and low in total and saturated fat.

 So why not make the most of chestnut season and add this unique and nutritious ingredient to your meals and recipes?

 Here are some delicious ways to enjoy chestnuts every day:

 Roasted chestnuts: Roasting chestnuts is a classic way to enjoy them. Simply score the chestnuts with a sharp knife, roast them in the oven or on a grill, and peel off the shells. Enjoy them as a snack or use them in recipes.

1.  Chestnut soup: Chestnut soup is a comforting and flavourful dish that can be made with roasted or boiled chestnuts. Add some onions, garlic, celery, and herbs for a delicious and warming soup.
2. Chestnut puree: Chestnut puree is a versatile ingredient that can be used in both sweet and savory dishes. Use it as a spread on toast, or as a filling for pastries and desserts.
3. Chestnut risotto: Chestnut risotto is a hearty and delicious dish that is perfect for fall and winter. Cook the risotto with chicken or vegetable broth, and add roasted chestnuts, parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs for a rich and flavourful meal.
4. Chestnut stuffing: Chestnut stuffing is a classic Thanksgiving side dish that can also be enjoyed throughout the year. Mix chestnuts with bread, onions, celery, and herbs, and bake until golden brown.
5. Bacon and Chestnut Brussels Sprouts: Warm up some cooked chestnuts in a pan with crispy cooked bacon, then toss them through steamed Brussels sprouts for a tasty and hearty side dish.
6. Chestnut ice cream: Chestnut ice cream is a rich and creamy dessert that is perfect for any occasion. Mix chestnut puree with cream, sugar, and vanilla, and churn in an ice cream maker until smooth and creamy.
7. Chestnut Spread: Blend cooked chestnuts with cream cheese, herbs, and spices to create a savory spread for crackers or sandwiches.

With these delicious ways to enjoy chestnuts every day, you'll never run out of ideas for how to incorporate this versatile ingredient into your meals.

Discover how to cook chestnuts