Chestnuts are indigenous to North America. They were
gathered and used by the Native American Indians. A blight killed
all of the true American Chestnut Trees: the wild and farmed chestnuts we
now have are all of the European variety. However, in America the wood
from the tree is much more valuable than the nut.
Inside a deep brown shell is a pale oval nut with a creamy
texture and an earthy flavor and less fat than most nuts.
Chestnuts have traditionally been ground into flour and
made into crepes and bread but are also served braised with red cabbage
and wine or served as a puree. Most of us know them as being roasted and
served during the winter holiday season.
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