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Produce Briefs...
Ramps
The wild ramp, AKA wild leek, botanical name Allium tricoccum, is a flowering perennial plant that grows in clusters. It is a member of the Allium family along with onions and leeks
Calamondin Limes
The Calamondin lime is a cross between a sour, loose skinned mandarin and a kumquat, therefore technically making it an orangequat.
Salanova® Lettuces
Salanova® lettuce is a full-sized variety developed for the baby lettuce market. Botanically these varieties are scientifically known as Lactuca sativa.
Description/Taste
Fresh Chestnuts grow in pairs within round spiky green flowers, also known as catkins. The hard, thin-shelled nuts are a shiny brown and measure between 3 and 4 centimeters in diameter. Each nut has one flattened side, where it was pressed against the second seed as it developed. The flesh is a creamy white with a firm, crisp texture. They have a starchy, meaty texture when boiled or roasted and have a mild and slightly sweet flavor.
Seasons/Availability
Dried Chestnuts are available in frozen form year-round. Fresh chestnuts are typically available from late fall through winter.
Current Facts
Fresh Chestnuts are the seeds of the Castanea sativa, or Chestnut tree. There are four main species of Chestnut, the one most often found in stores in the United States is the European variety. The nuts have been immortalized in holiday songs and are a popular roasted snack commonly consumed during the winter holiday months.
Nutritional Value
Fresh Chestnuts are an excellent source of vitamins C and calcium and are high in carbohydrates. They are a good source of B-complex vitamins, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, zinc, and potassium.
Applications
Fresh Chestnuts are used in both sweet and savory applications. They are roasted on the stove or in the oven and served on their own or prepared like a vegetable. Before cooking, the shells are scored to make them easier to peel. Once cooked they can be chopped for use in stuffing, risottos, and pasta dishes. They can be pureed and used as a substitute for peanut butter, mashed like potatoes or sautéed with celery, carrots and onions for soup. Prepared Fresh Chestnuts are dehydrated and ground into flour for use as a gluten free substitute. Fresh Chestnuts will keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 months. They can be frozen for longer storage.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Most Chestnut trees grown in the United States today are descended from a European variety. A North American variety, Castanea dentata, once covered the Eastern coast of the United States and was an important food and timber source. The trees were all but wiped out in the early 1900’s by a bark fungus. The University of Guelph located north of Lake Erie in Ontario and the State University of New York’s College of Environmental Science and Forestry are both working on conservation of the American Chestnut tree.
Geography/History
Fresh Chestnuts are found in Europe, North America and South Asia. They are native to the countries that border the southern Black Sea, including what is now Turkey, in what was known as Asia Minor or Anatolia. The Romans carried Fresh Chestnuts with them to Southeast Asia, Africa and Europe, and then to the United States. After a blight killed nearly all the American Chestnut trees, Chinese chestnut trees and hybrid trees were planted in the United States to restore the population. Efforts to cultivate American Chestnut trees have been made over the past century. Europe exports Fresh Chestnuts to America to keep up with demand.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Fresh Chestnuts. One
is
easiest, three is harder.Recently Shared
People have shared Fresh Chestnuts using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
Produce Sharing allows you to share your produce discoveries with your neighbors and the world! Is your market carrying green dragon apples? Is a chef doing things with shaved fennel that are out of this world? Pinpoint your location annonymously through the Specialty Produce App and let others know about unique flavors that are around them.
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University District Farmers Market
Near Seattle, Washington, United StatesAbout 218 days ago, 11/14/20 Sharer's comments : You know it's fall when you find chestnuts at the market 😉 
Kalivis SA
Near Athens, Attiki, GreeceCentral market of Athens L-27 About 243 days ago, 10/20/20 Sharer's comments : Chestnuts 🌰 
Stew Leonard's
Near Hastings-on-Hudson, New York, United StatesAbout 531 days ago, 1/06/20 Sharer's comments : Fresh chestnuts for the holidays at Stu's.. 
Sasoun Produce
Near West Hollywood, California, United StatesAbout 550 days ago, 12/18/19 
Mount Royal Fine Foods
Mount Royal Fine Foods
Near Duluth, Minnesota, United States1600 Woodland Ave Duluth MN 55803 218-728-3665 http://mountroyalfinefoods.com About 552 days ago, 12/16/19 Sharer's comments : $7.29 per pound 
Balboa International Market
Near San Diego, CA, United StatesAbout 573 days ago, 11/25/19 
4 Seasons Bio - Organic Food Market
4SeasonsBio
Near Athens, Attiki, GreeceNikis 30 About 591 days ago, 11/07/19 Sharer's comments : Chestnuts 🌰 
MPC Farmers Market
Near Monterey, California, United StatesAbout 618 days ago, 10/11/19 
Ferry Plaza Farmers Market
K&J Orchards
Near San Francisco, California, United StatesSolano County , CA About 631 days ago, 9/28/19 
Scalinata di Trinità dei Monti
Near Rome, Rome, ItalyAbout 653 days ago, 9/07/19 Sharer's comments : Roasted chestnuts near the Spanish steps - Yum! |
