Chestnut nut useful. Chestnut: useful properties, contraindications, benefits and harms

Chestnut is a strong tree with a powerful root system. You can meet chestnut in the wild in the southern latitudes of the northern hemisphere of our planet. The fruits of the tree are chestnut nuts, valued for their high nutritional value and are used as food. The bark, foliage and fruits are valuable raw materials in the pharmaceutical, medical and cosmetic industries.

Enthusiasts calmly grow chestnuts in the middle latitudes, getting a nut crop unusual for middle lane Russia. Chestnut nuts, in addition to food, are in demand in folk medicine, which reveals their medicinal properties.

This article will focus on a nut that is no less common than walnut. This is chestnut. You will learn more about how to cook it properly, what can be done from it, what it will be useful for. Is it possible to eat it for children or future mothers. And you will also learn how easy it is to grow a chestnut right on your site or even at home.

What is chestnut

Chestnut is a tree belonging to the Beech family. It can reach fifty meters in height. And the diameter is about two meters. The bark of the tree is dark brown, thick and covered with deep furrows.

The chestnut tree reaches a height of 20-50 m from the base of the trunk, often 2 m in diameter. The bark is often reticulate with deep furrows or fissures that spiral in both directions along the trunk. The long lanceolate, serrated leaves are 16-28 cm long and 5-9 cm wide.

The leaves of this tree have an oblong shape and sharp "teeth". Light green in summer, in autumn they change their color to yellow. In length, the leaf plate can reach up to twenty centimeters. As for chestnut flowers, they are collected in inflorescences up to fifteen centimeters long, and resemble spikelets.

The chestnut begins to bear fruit only when it reaches the age of about twelve years. But it's wild. If we talk about the "domesticated" chestnut, then it begins to bear fruit already at about the age of four to ten years. In the first decade of its life, the tree grows rather slowly. And it bears fruit even once every couple of years, in the first two autumn months.

Sometimes in the name of a chestnut you can hear such additional words as noble, real, edible.

What type of chestnut

The fruits of this tree are spherical in shape, surrounded by a shell densely covered with thorns. During maturation, the shell has green color, and already in mature fruits it is brown. There are up to four nuts inside the shell. When the fruit is fully ripe, the shell cracks and the fruit falls out.

The nut itself has a spherical or slightly flattened shape. Its surface is dark brown and smooth. The diameter of the nut can be up to six centimeters.

Where does chestnut grow?

Chestnuts love warmth and moisture. And soil with a low level of acidity. This tree does not tolerate long heat and especially drought in the best way.

Chestnut can often be found in America, in the east of Asia, in the Mediterranean, Russia, Ukraine and the Transcaucasus. Interestingly, the size of a chestnut may depend on where exactly it grows. So, for example, in Armenia, chestnuts rarely grow to the size of a walnut, and in some European countries, on the contrary, this nut can compete in size, for example, with a large tangerine.

How to find an edible chestnut

Please note that you should not confuse the edible chestnut with the horse chestnut. The last variety of chestnut should not be eaten. It's not that hard to tell them apart. These chestnuts differ from each other in literally everything - both in the structures of the inflorescences, and in the shape of the leaves, and in the way the nuts themselves look.

Remember that the edible chestnut leaves have an elongated shape and thorns at the ends. And the inflorescences look like long and narrow women's earrings. In contrast, horse chestnut blooms more luxuriantly, because it performs more of a decorative role.

chestnut edible photo

The edible chestnut is covered with a brown shell covered with many thorns. A horse chestnut has a bright green shell that is more bumpy than prickly. And finally, the taste. Edible fruits - they are mealy-sweet. And inedible - with bitterness.

horse chestnut fruit photo

Composition of nuts

• Vitamins: A, B, C;
• Chemical elements: calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, fluorine, zinc;
• Other useful elements: proteins, tannins, fats, fiber, pectins, carbohydrates,

One hundred grams of raw chestnut nuts contain 165 kilocalories. And in fried - 16 calories more.

The benefits of chestnut for the human body

Main useful qualities chestnut are in its enriched composition. Nuts have the ability to relieve inflammation, fever, eliminate pain and soothe cough. These fruits are widely used to treat colds. Chestnut is able to rid the lungs of a debilitating cough in record time. Additionally, chestnuts also support digestion.

They can improve appetite and eliminate diarrhea. In addition, chestnut nuts can stabilize kidney activity. They are also used to lower blood pressure, strengthen the vascular walls. Chestnut will help to cope with varicose veins, stop bleeding and heal small wounds. Fruits help to recover faster after burns or cut wounds.

edible chestnut and

Uses of chestnut

The main use of chestnut, of course, is traditional medicine. Chestnuts help treat diseases related to digestion, breathing and nerves. These nuts will help in the fight against arthritis and sciatica. In the process of treatment, both whole nuts and compresses from the ground mass are used.

And, of course, chestnuts are often used in culinary business. With their help, prepare first courses, second courses and even sweets! Rich in dishes with chestnuts European cuisine. For example, they simply adore chestnuts in sweet syrup.

How to cook chestnuts

There are two options for how to cook chestnut nuts: they can either be boiled or fried. The only thing that is important is that the chestnuts need to be peeled from the shell and film. If you do not do this, then the nuts will be bitter.

To clean the fruits of chestnuts well, you need to make cuts on them, and then boil them in boiling water for literally five minutes. Then remove from the stove, cover and leave to stand for another fifteen minutes. Nuts will need to be peeled while they are still warm. This will make it easier and more convenient.

Bring nuts to fully prepared Boiling at an average gas level for fifteen minutes will help. Or you can fry them in a frying pan with a closed lid. You can also bake chestnuts in the oven. They need to be laid out on a baking sheet and sent to the oven for twenty minutes, a maximum of half an hour.

chestnut helps you lose weight

The fat content of chestnuts is quite low, which is why it is often used by nutritionists to help with weight loss. Chestnuts even help get rid of cellulite, eliminate swelling and improve blood flow.

And chestnut oil often becomes an additive for cellulite creams and lotions. Chestnut tinctures also effectively help get rid of excess.

Chestnut for children

Conventional medicine provides absolutely no advice on when to add chestnuts to a child's diet. Pediatricians, for example, do not advise giving them before the child is five years old.

According to experts, before this age, the chestnut can put a lot of stress on the digestion of the crumbs. Which in turn can cause bloating and even constipation. Whatever it is, give the child raw chestnuts not worth it.

The best way to do this is to boil them and grind them to a puree. It is best to add it to mashed potatoes or soup.

Chestnut for future and young mothers

It's no secret that chestnuts help to overcome the mood swings that women often experience during the period of bearing a baby. Chestnuts help to tidy up the pressure, stabilize sleep, strengthen the skeleton. There is a lot of fiber in chestnuts, which will only benefit the digestion of the expectant mother.

Chestnuts stimulate lactation during breastfeeding. The fruits of this nut are rich in vitamins, which will only improve the quality of breast milk. But before you eat them, it will not be superfluous to consult a doctor.

roasted chestnut

Roasted chestnuts are far from exotic dish. Southerners are happy to prepare nuts in a similar way using a simple recipe. However, unprepared people should use roasted chestnuts with caution. Nuts can be a product with signs of individual intolerance.

In addition, people who decide to lose some weight roasted chestnuts it is better to remove from the diet. high calorie content And a large number of carbohydrates contained in nuts will lead to the opposite result.

Any product requires individual approach, chestnut is no exception. Here are a few recipe secrets for roasted chestnuts:

1. First rule. The main thing is not to overdo it and not overcook, otherwise the chestnuts will turn out dry, tough and not tasty.
2. Do not grease the pan with any oil.
3. Pour the chestnuts into the pan and put on the fire. The trick is that the nuts must be cut before frying sharp knife, and choose a frying pan with a thick bottom.
4. It is necessary to remove the peel from ready chestnuts, it is better to do this with a rhinestone, otherwise it will be problematic to remove it from the cooled nuts.
5. We remove films and membranes.
6. Don't be greedy. Don't fry too much. Half-eaten cold chestnuts dry up and become tasteless.

chestnut jam

Chestnut jam is very popular in the culinary field. Not only by itself, but also as a filling for pastries and other desserts. This sweet can be stored for up to six months. To increase the shelf life, the jam must be rolled up in sterilized jars or frozen.

Components:

• Chestnut fruits - 0.5 kilograms;
• Sugar - 0.5 kilograms;
• Water - 0.3 liters;
• Rum - 1 tablespoon.

Grind chestnut nuts into powder through a sieve. Pour water into a saucepan, put on gas and pour sugar. Stir frequently until the sugar is completely dissolved. Then add chestnut crumbs to the syrup and cook for about half an hour, stirring from time to time so that they do not burn.

When the jam becomes thick and darkens to a rich brown color, pour in the rum and boil for just a couple more minutes. After that, you can pour the jam into jars and roll up.

Chestnut honey useful properties and contraindications

Chestnut honey is no less useful than flower or buckwheat honey. First of all, it is a very effective natural antibiotic. You can not only eat it. This honey can be used to treat wounds and burns - chestnut honey perfectly relieves inflammation.

Often it is used to cure diseases associated with breathing or genitourinary system. Chestnut honey is able to put in order digestion. It will be especially useful in spring and autumn - it will strengthen immune system and help fight viruses.

Restrictions for use

Undoubtedly, this useful product. But even he has his limitations. So, you should not eat chestnuts in any of their manifestations if you have:

• Allergic reaction;
• Diabetes;
• Bleeding in the stomach;
• Violated menstruation cycle;
• Renal failure.

But even if everything is in order, you should not exceed daily allowance consumption of forty grams. If you overeat chestnuts, you can earn a crash in digestive system: bloating or even constipation.

How to grow a chestnut tree yourself

Chestnut is not so difficult to grow on your own plot or even in an apartment. At the very beginning, of course, it is necessary to collect ripe chestnuts in the fall. They must be whole.

It is easy to grow a walnut on the site. To do this, plant a few nuts at a depth of five centimeters and at a distance of about ten centimeters. In the spring you will see the first shoots.

To grow chestnuts at home, nuts must be left on the balcony until the first frost. And then put it on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator for the whole winter. Toward the end of February, the nuts should be transferred to pots with soil and placed on the windowsill. The first sprouts will appear in a month or two

We chestnuts are not as popular as in Western Europe, Japan or countries East Asia However, this omission is long overdue to be corrected. Healing and nutritious nuts grow in the subtropical zone, therefore they are not included in the menu of our traditional cuisine. But after all, both avocados and " new year fruit”- tangerines, and many other products that often appear on our table are also imported from southern latitudes.

We think, having learned how chestnuts are useful, our housewives will definitely start preparing them for their family. Moreover, the fruits do not require special culinary skills and are delicious simply fried or baked.

We do not grow nuts suitable for food and you can buy them only in supermarkets.

Nutritional value of chestnuts

Despite the outward resemblance to hazelnuts, the product bears little resemblance to it in composition. Chestnuts contain:

• about 60% starch
• 15% sugar
• 6% proteins
• 2% fat

The percentage may vary depending on the fruit variety. However, in their effect on the human body, chestnuts are more reminiscent of rice and potatoes than nuts, which are high in protein and fat.

A product rich in carbohydrates is recommended for athletes and people who need enhanced nutrition to restore energy. After hearty chestnuts, you don’t want to eat for a long time, so they are often included in weight loss diets, with one caveat: in small quantities.

The product is also appreciated by vegetarians as an additional source of vegetable protein.

Chestnuts also contain:

• cellulose
• tannins
• vitamins A, C, K and group B
• trace elements: potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, sodium, silicon, selenium, copper, zinc
• folic acid
• pectins
• glycosides

Already what chestnuts are important ingredient Mediterranean cuisine, recognized as one of the healthiest in the world, speaks volumes. At regular use fruits improves metabolism, the intestines begin to function more actively, toxins are removed faster and the enzymes necessary for digestion are produced.

Immunity is strengthened, malfunctions in the cardiovascular system are eliminated, blood composition is normalized and the overall tone of the body is increased. Italians, French and other southern Europeans love chestnuts for good reason, because they can protect us from stress and improve our mood during the seasonal autumn depression. Despite the high content of carbohydrates and sugars, fruits can and should be eaten by people who are struggling with overweight, since in this case fatty deposits are not formed and the load on the liver is reduced.

Historical reference

The first seedlings of the sowing chestnut (or noble) were brought from the Asian campaigns by Alexander the Great. He noticed that by eating the fruits of this tree, warriors become more alert and suffer less from stomach problems caused by unusual food.

Magic nuts of youth and beauty

Chestnuts can turn back time and bring back the charm of youth. They contribute to the production of elastin and collagen - proteins involved in the renewal of cells and tissues.

Trace elements that are part of healing nuts have a beneficial effect on the skin, hair and nails, improving their condition and appearance. And zinc and phosphorus, in addition, strengthen teeth and gums.

A cure for many diseases

In the pharmaceutical industry, horse chestnuts, which are familiar to us, are more often used, decorating the streets with fragrant “candles” of inflorescences in spring, and throwing fruits in a prickly shell in autumn, which are so well suited for crafts.

However, Castánea sativa nuts also have healing properties. They are shown with:

1. dysentery;
2. hemorrhoids;
3. cystitis;
4. painful menstruation and menopause;
5. mastopathy;
6. edema of various origins;
7. circulatory disorders and thrombosis, as they thin the blood;
8. vasospasm;
9. atherosclerosis;
10. neuralgia;
11. respiratory diseases;
12. rheumatism.

Externally crushed pulp of edible chestnut can be used as a hemostatic, wound healing and disinfectant. Fruits also effectively help with burns, accelerating the process of tissue regeneration.

calories

As can be seen from this table, the greatest benefit they will bring boiled or baked fruits, but fried and pickled ones should be eaten a little (no more than 40 g at a time).

If you follow a diet, it is better to eat chestnuts in the morning, then the energy that they charge the body with will have time to be completely used up. But for dinner, you can allow yourself only 2-3 nuts.

Who Shouldn't Eat Chestnuts

A carbohydrate-rich product, for all its usefulness, is a heavy meal. Therefore, it is undesirable to give it to children earlier than five to six years of age. The fragile organism of babies is unlikely to be able to fully digest chestnuts, which threatens indigestion, flatulence and colic.

Enter healthy nuts in the children's diet is better in boiled form, making soup-puree. If the product caused discomfort in the child, it is advisable to postpone the “acquaintance” with it for a while and consult a doctor.

Nursing mothers will also have to give up chestnuts so as not to cause excessive gas formation or an allergic reaction in the baby.


Fruits are contraindicated in the following diseases:

• diabetes
• kidney and bladder stones
• hypotension
• liver and kidney failure
• inflammatory processes of the gastrointestinal tract

Attention!

Healthy people need to eat chestnuts, but in moderate amounts not to dial excess weight and not provoke the pancreas.

Raw nuts are recognized as the heaviest for digestion. They are allowed to be consumed only in a ripe form, then we will improve our health and treat ourselves to a delicious product without side effects.

How to choose chestnuts

We have found that nuts that have reached full maturity bring the greatest benefit. But how to choose just such fruits in a store or on the market?

1. You need to buy fresh chestnuts in season - September to February. Nuts spoil quickly, so it is not possible to eat them during the rest of the year. If unable to buy fresh fruits, you should pay attention to frozen or pickled ones - they are also easier to prepare, because they do not need to be cleaned.
2. The shell of nuts should be hard, smooth, without spots and damage, with a uniform, dark color and glossy sheen.
3. Ripe, high-quality chestnuts are heavy and large, about the same size.
4. Round nuts are tastier than their more flattened "relatives".
5. The freshness of the fruits is determined by pressing them with your finger. If the shell is soft, the shelf life has clearly been tightened.

Attention!

A greenish layer between the kernel and the shell of the nut is an indicator of insufficient ripeness. Such chestnuts are best boiled, stewed or fried, but not eaten raw.

Storage rules

fresh chestnuts- the product is capricious and perishable. At room temperature in a dry, preferably dark place, they can lie for no more than 5 days, after which they dry out and wrinkle.


If you put the fruits in the refrigerator, with other vegetables and fruits, they will “hold out” for 2 weeks, provided that they are wrapped in a plastic bag with holes for ventilation. Otherwise, the nuts will quickly become moldy.

If you want to eat fresh or roasted chestnuts out of season, it's best to freeze them. The product will not lose its qualities within six months.

Attention!

Fresh chestnuts, when frozen, should be placed in a vacuum container or wrapped in foil, but in no case should you use plastic wrap, otherwise they will deteriorate. This warning does not apply to fried fruits.

Another option is to store raw, unpeeled nuts in sand sprinkled in wooden boxes or barrels. The containers are installed in the cellar and kept at a temperature of 2 - 5ºС until spring.

Instead of sand, you can take dry chestnut leaves.

Chestnuts are one of those products, once you try them, you don’t want to refuse them. And why limit yourself to such a healthy delicacy?

Well, let's buy and start cooking.

Useful video

A little background information about chestnuts:

Modern medicine is increasingly resorting to old and already proven recipes. Patients try to prefer natural preparations to medicines. Perhaps this is correct, because such compounds cause much less damage to the human body than a variety of chemical compounds. One of the famous healing remedies are chestnut fruits. Their application is quite wide. It can be both internal and external.

This article will provide you with information on how to properly prepare and harvest chestnuts. The use in folk medicine of this remedy will be described below. You can find out what problems and diseases it eliminates.

Chestnut: fruit of the tree

If we talk about the components from which folk natural medicines are made, then these are not only dense round chestnuts. At present, the benefits of the bark of a tree, its inflorescences, leaves and green shells of the fruit have been proven. Assemble the described components always in different time. The flowering period is the spring months, in particular May. It is then that the inflorescences and leaves are carefully cut from the plant.

Predominantly collected during this period, it contains the maximum amount useful substances. Speaking directly about the fruits, they are harvested in late summer or early autumn. It all depends on the region in which the trees grow. In warm areas, this period falls on September-October. In colder - for July-August. After assembly, the chestnut fruits, the photos of which are presented to your attention in the article, are carefully processed. They can be dried, ground, boiled or infused. It all depends on the purpose of the application.

Chestnut fruits: properties

The plant gained popularity in folk medicine many decades ago. In the 18th century, chestnut extracts were first used in traditional medicine. Currently, you can find a lot of drugs containing this plant.

The medicinal properties of chestnut fruits can be listed for a very long time. The plant has an antiseptic, astringent, healing, antipyretic and regenerating effect. It also has a beneficial effect on the blood, blood vessels and heart. It is impossible not to note the healing properties of chestnut in relation to the stomach, intestines and the general digestive system. The fruit of the tree is widely used to treat neurological problems and diseases of the respiratory system. Skin pathologies are often eliminated with the help of a plant such as chestnut (its fruit). Cosmetology is a separate branch of medicine in which the described remedy is used.

To whom is the plant contraindicated for use?

Treatment with chestnut fruits almost always has positive reviews. All because of what it contains great amount tannins, vitamins (especially C), coumarin glycosides (fraxin, esculin and others), starch, fatty oil. However, some people are contraindicated in such components. That is why, before resorting to funds on your own traditional medicine, you need to visit a doctor and consult with him.

Chestnut fruits (photo below) and potions from them should not be used during pregnancy and after childbirth. During lactation, it is better to refuse such therapy, since there is no data on the effect of the plant on the child. Prepared funds should not be taken with reduced platelets and bleeding. It can be life threatening. Chestnut (fruit) is not used for exacerbations of kidney and liver diseases. If the patient suffers from gastritis, a violation of the acid balance of the stomach, then it is worth warning him about the dangers of such treatment.

Chestnut fruits (the use of medicines prepared from them) can lead to the development of limb cramps, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, and stool disorders. If you encounter any of these symptoms, then categorically refuse folk treatment and seek help from traditional medicine.

Horse chestnut (fruit): application in various fields

As you already know, prepared medicine can be used internally and as a topical remedy. It all depends on the pathology and accompanying symptoms. The most popular remedy is chestnut tincture. Cooking her different ways, however, all options for use can be divided into two. In the first case, the drug is taken orally. In the second, it is applied to the surfaces of the body.

Chestnut lotions and decoctions are also very popular. For their preparation, bark, peel and flowers are used. The ingredients are pre-dried and ground.

An important point in the use of chestnut is a ban on its use. It must be remembered that the fruits of this tree are inedible. They are very dangerous to health in their usual form. If a person consumes several fruits, then severe poisoning(up to death). It is necessary to protect the prepared raw materials from children and pets. Especially often domestic rodents and dogs become victims of chestnut. Consider what horse chestnut (fruits) has use in traditional medicine.

Diseases of the veins and blood vessels

Chestnut (the fruit of the tree) is often used to treat hemorrhoids and varicose veins. The main quality of the plant is that it helps to thin the blood and relieve the inflammatory process. Most useful parts trees for this purpose become brown fruits and flowers. From the latter, a tincture is prepared. The fruits can also be used as a raw material for a compress.

• To prepare the tincture, you need to take round brown chestnut fruits (5 pieces) and 50 grams of dried inflorescences. All this is placed in an enameled or glassware and filled with vodka. You need to insist the medicine for two weeks in a dark place, shaking daily. Such a drug is applied to the dilated veins of the lower extremities with a cotton swab twice a day.
• Take fresh inflorescences and squeeze the juice out of them. The resulting composition should be stored in the refrigerator, taking 30 drops daily. Remember that manipulation is best done before meals.
• If you suffer from hemorrhoids or have ulcers on your legs, you can use powdered chestnut peel. To do this, clean the skin and dry it. Then grind it and store it in a dry place. Sprinkle the affected areas daily at bedtime, then apply a bandage.

Viral and bacterial infections of the respiratory tract

Chestnut (fruit) is able to cure diseases such as tracheitis, bronchitis, tonsillitis, laryngitis. In some cases, the plant even helps to cope with pulmonary tuberculosis. With any disease that is accompanied by a cough, the effect of the plant is observed. However, you need to know how to cook it.

• Take dried tree bark and grind it. Pour the fruit with two glasses of chilled water and let stand for 8 hours. After that, be sure to strain the drink. Take orally 3 tablespoons up to 6 times a day.
• Grind dry Take one spoonful of raw materials and fill it with two cups of boiling water. Wait 10 minutes and strain. In the resulting liquid, put two tablespoons of honey. Drink a quarter cup three times a day.

women's issues

The chestnut plant is often used in gynecology - a tree whose fruits have the important property of normalizing hormonal background. Yes, similar folk medicines are prescribed for failures in the menstrual cycle, prolonged absence of menstruation, infertility, mastopathy, and so on. Remember that you definitely need to consult a gynecologist before starting the correction.

• Prepare 8 dried tree flowers and pour them over hot water. Bring the solution to a boil and remove from the stove. Then strain and leave overnight. The next day, drink one sip every hour. Next, take a break for two days and build a diagram.
• In case of cycle disorders, tincture is usually recommended. To prepare it, take whole chestnut fruits in a ratio of 1 per 100 milliliters of vodka. Mix the ingredients and leave for one month. You can take the composition 5 drops three times a day, starting from the 16th day of the cycle. Remember that the drug contains alcohol. Gynecologists advise before starting such a correction to take tests to determine the level of hormones in the blood and get recommendations from a specialist.

Joint diseases: inflammation and injury

Horse chestnut fruits have different properties. They also include pain relievers. If you suffer from rheumatism, arthritis, inflammation of the interarticular joints, then chestnut will help you. In such situations, the plant can be used both internally and externally. To enhance the effect, these two schemes are combined.

• Take 10 green fruits and cut them lightly. Place in a container and fill with a bottle of vodka. Wait a week, then strain. This tincture is taken orally 20 drops during meals. If it is impossible to use ethanol, compresses are made from the resulting tincture once a day for two hours.
• Grind the peeled chestnut fruits in the amount of 5 pieces into flour, add fat cream or butter. If possible, you can use In this case, the effect will be maximum. Rub the sore spots before going to bed, then wrap them with a cloth.

Disorders of the stool: diarrhea and diarrhea

As you already know, chestnut fruits contain tannins and astringents. They relieve inflammation and improve intestinal motility. With diarrhea, this medicine helps quickly and effectively.

• Grind a teaspoon of the bark and pour two cups of boiling water over it. Wait for the broth to cool, then strain. Take 50 milliliters before each meal.
• Peel the chestnut fruit from the green peel and mash the latter in a mortar. Add half a glass hot water and leave for 6 hours. After that, remove the peel. Drink a teaspoon three times a day.

When treating diarrhea with the described remedy, you need to carefully monitor the work of the intestines. As soon as the situation returned to normal, folk remedy canceled. Excessive use of the drug can lead to chronic constipation.

Use in cosmetology: chestnut for facial skin and hair

IN Lately very often the plant is used for the preparation of masks, point remedies and hair components. As you already know, chestnut has antioxidant properties. This helps women who use this composition to keep their skin young and beautiful. Even in a polluted and dusty city, the fairer sex can have beautiful colour faces. Chestnut and its fruits help to get rid of acne, blackheads, skin irregularities, as well as narrow enlarged pores.

For the face, you can prepare a variety of masks with chestnut. For this purpose, fresh inflorescences and fruits of the tree are crushed. Depending on the type of skin, additional ingredients are added: honey and egg yolk(for and cucumber (for oily); lemon and zinc paste (for problematic) and so on. Before manipulation, be sure to test for sensitivity and make sure there is no allergic reaction.

The use of chestnut for hair helps to reduce hair loss and enhance growth. As a result, the hair becomes soft, shiny and manageable. Problems such as dandruff, seborrhea, increased fat content and the like are eliminated. After each wash, rinse the curls with a decoction of chestnut. To prepare it, take whole fruit and place in enamelware with water. Bring to a boil and wait 10 minutes. Cool and strain.

Chestnut - a tree that everyone has heard of, but not everyone knows about it amazing properties and features. In this article, you will learn about incredible benefits of this tree, discover its healing properties, learn to identify edible fruit chestnut in appearance and you will definitely want to try them.

In this article, the main place is given to the edible chestnut. But horse chestnut, which is well known to the inhabitants of the European part of Russia, will also be mentioned.

Appearance

Sowing chestnut has several names: edible, noble, real. Beech family, genus Chestnut.

Deciduous tree. Its height reaches 35 m, and the circumference of the trunk is 2 m. The bark is thick, brown in color with deep longitudinal cracks.

The leaves are sharp-toothed, up to 30 cm long. In summer, the leaves are yellowish-green, and in autumn they become bright yellow. Inflorescences of light yellow or green color resemble long narrow catkins, in the lower part of which there are female branches, and in the upper part - male ones.

Chestnut fruits are edible nuts that ripen in brown cupules, protected on the outside by numerous long spines, and covered with silky felt inside. In each cupule, 1-4 rounded or flattened nuts with a smooth, shiny surface of dark brown color ripen.

How to distinguish edible from inedible

Also in nature there are inedible chestnuts. The most famous is horse chestnut. It belongs to the Sapindov family, a subfamily of Horse chestnuts.

The main differences between horse and edible chestnuts:

Leaf shape and size.

• inflorescences;
• the taste of fruits: in horse chestnut they are bitter, in sowing chestnut they are sweetish;
• the number of fruits in the nut.
• the outer shell of the plush: in horse chestnut it is bright green in color with small tubercles, and in sowing chestnut it is brown, with long spikes.

The only similarity between horse chestnut and sowing chestnut is the external similarity of the fruits: they are dark brown in color, with a smooth, shiny surface, decorated with a light spot.

Types of edible chestnuts

There are about 30 species of chestnut trees and shrubs in the world.

Most popular species sowing chestnut, the fruits of which can be eaten, are:

• European seed;
• Japanese, or city;
• Chinese softest.

Each species differs from each other in habitat, trunk height, size and shape of leaves and fruits, flowering and fruiting.

Chinese Softest Chestnut

Where does it grow?

Edible chestnut is a tree with a capricious character. For a rich harvest, this fastidious crop needs a warm climate, air humidity of at least 70% and slightly acidic, moist soil.

Chestnut does not withstand not only drought and summer heat, but also a decrease in air temperature in spring and summer. He loves the light, but this does not prevent him from growing in the shade.

In Russia, these chestnuts can only be found in the Krasnodar Territory. It also grows on the territory of Armenia and Azerbaijan. But chestnut fruits from these areas rarely reach the size of even a walnut.

Things are quite different in Italy, France and Spain. The fruits of European chestnuts grow to the size of a large mandarin, as the climate and soils of these countries are ideal for this wonderful tree. The edible chestnut is also cultivated in southern Ukraine, the Balkans, East Asia and the Atlantic coast of the United States.

Collection and storage

The harvest from one adult tree is from 60 to 200 kg. Fruiting begins from 3-15 years.

By the time of full ripening, chestnut fruits contain the maximum amount of nutrients. The degree of maturity can be determined by the color of the fruit - they become dark brown. This is the perfect time to start collecting.

The fruits are harvested before they fall from the tree, by the time they are almost fully developed:

Freshly picked chestnuts are much more valuable than dried ones. They contain a maximum of useful substances, and they are also more pleasant to the taste. Storage of fruits of a fresh crop is permissible only at a temperature close to zero.

For the purpose of long-term storage, the collected nuts are dried in the open sun, or in special dryers and placed in dry, well-ventilated rooms.

Leaves are harvested in August - September. They should be no more than 20 cm in length. Then they are laid out in loose layers and dried in shaded places. Storage takes place in cardboard containers or linen bags and always in a dry room.

How to choose and where to buy

The edible chestnut season runs from August to November. At this time, fresh chestnut fruits and seeds can be purchased in the markets, as well as in supermarkets. Fresh chestnuts have a short shelf life and spoil quickly. Pickled or frozen chestnuts are available throughout the year.

When choosing edible chestnut fruits, pay attention to:

• For shape and size. Nuts should be large, the same size;
• For weight and hardness. Quality chestnuts are heavy and firm;
• To the surface. Nuts should be glossy, dark brown.

When buying edible chestnuts from the market, make sure you buy them. The seeds and fruits of the horse chestnut, which is unfit for human consumption, are also sold in the markets.

Characteristics of the edible species

• fresh fruits have a sweet, pleasant taste;
• after heat treatment, the taste of the fruits resembles potatoes;
• beginning of flowering: June, July;
• the first flowering occurs at 3-12 years of age;
• the diameter of a mature plush in forest chestnuts is up to 6 cm, in cultivated chestnuts - up to 10 cm.

Nutritional value and calories

The fruits of the chestnut are unique product nutrition. They have a high energy value and very nutritious. Due to their lower fat content than other nuts, chestnuts are considered healthier and less oily.

In 100 gr. fresh nuts contain:

• proteins - 1.6 grams;
• fats - 1.25 grams;
• carbohydrates - 44 grams.

Calorie chestnut fruit:

• fried - 182 kcal / 100 gr;
• fresh - 166 kcal / 100 gr;
• stewed or boiled - 131 kcal / 100 gr;
• for a couple - 56 kcal / 100 gr.

Chemical composition

Edible chestnut fruits contain:

• carbohydrates - up to 62%;
• proteins - up to 6%;
• fats - up to 5%;
• various trace elements: titanium, molybdenum, cobalt, barium, fluorine, aluminum, zinc, copper;
• essential mineral salts; phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, sodium, potassium;
• fiber - from 2.5 to 3.5%;
• sugar - up to 17%;
• various vitamins - B1 and B2, C, PP, A;
• acids: lactic, citric, malic;
• tannins;
• oils;
• pectins;
• flavonoids.

The bark of the trunk and branches of the edible chestnut contains:

• glycosides;
• oils;
• tannins.

Edible chestnut leaves contain:

• glycosides;
• pectins;
• routine;
• vitamin K;
• ascorbic acid;
• flavone compounds;
• tannins.

Beneficial features

The chestnut has earned the love of a person not only because of its beauty and delicious taste fruits. The amazing abilities of this tree have been discovered for a long time.

Edible chestnut has a beneficial effect on human health, as it has the following medicinal properties:

• anti-inflammatory;
• antitussive;
• wound healing;
• painkiller;
• antipyretic;
• astringent;
• hemostatic;
• diuretic;
• saturation of the body with proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, fiber and minerals.

See the next video for more on edible chestnuts.

Horse chestnut has more powerful healing properties. The spectrum of its action is the widest and is used as such means as:

• anti-inflammatory;
• decongestant;
• anticonvulsant;
• venotonic;
• hemostatic;
• astringent;
• bactericidal;
• wound healing;
• debilitating;
• sedative;
• antioxidant;
• antitumor;
• tonic;
• diuretic;
• diaphoretic;
• antipyretic;
• antithrombotic;
• anti-sclerotic;
• immuno-strengthening.

Harm

Despite such an impressive list of useful properties of chestnut, it is necessary to say about contraindications and possible harm, which can harm your health, eating chestnut fruits or using medicines based on this plant.

When eating chestnuts, the following complications may occur:

• violation of the digestive tract due to excessive use: constipation, diarrhea, bloating.
• convulsions;
• exacerbation of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, blood, liver and kidneys;
• allergic reactions.

Contraindications

Contraindications to the use of edible chestnut in dosage form and as a food product:

• individual intolerance;
• hypotension;
• reduced blood clotting;
• overweight;
• chronic renal failure;
• pregnancy and breastfeeding (due to the risk of allergic reactions);
• diabetes is a contraindication for use. chestnut honey.
• menstrual irregularities.

Also, eating horse chestnut fruits can cause harm to health, when a person unknowingly takes them for edible chestnuts. In case of poisoning, nausea appears and digestion is disturbed. It is also possible the occurrence of allergic reactions with the external use of horse chestnut.

Oil

Since the flesh of the chestnut contains little fat, it is impossible to obtain a large amount of oil from it. Chestnut oil is used in cosmetology for the production of creams and shampoos.

Chestnut oil cares for dry hair and protects it from drying out. It is also used for the care oily skin restoring its balance. Chestnut oil is able to protect the skin from ultraviolet radiation.

Application

In cooking

The taste and useful qualities of chestnut nuts have made it very popular in Food Industry and culinary. As a source of vegetable protein, vegetarians include chestnuts in their diet.

Edible chestnut fruit:

• eaten raw, boiled, stewed, smoked or fried;
• crushed into flour and coffee drink;
• grated is used to make marzipan and chocolate;
• processed into alcohol.

Chestnut is a real find for creating both humble meals and exquisite. In the kitchen it is used as:

• seasoning, stuffing and garnish meat dishes;
• addition to first courses;
• seasoning for wheat and oatmeal;
• chestnut paste for making toast and sandwiches;
• component for the preparation of confectionery and bakery products, pasta and various desserts;
• variety of standalone meals.

How to bake chestnuts in the oven, see the following video.

Souffle

Two yolks are ground with 50 gr. sugar, add vanillin, cinnamon and 20 gr. liquor and mixed with chestnut puree. Then two well-whipped proteins are gradually introduced into the dough and everything is mixed.

Grease a souffle mold with oil, sprinkle with flour and spread the resulting mass. Then they are sent to the oven, heated to 200 degrees, for 20-25 minutes. Ready meal take out of the mold, sprinkle powdered sugar and immediately served to the table.

French cream soup

500 gr. peeled chestnuts are boiled over high heat for 5 minutes, then they are peeled off and dipped in 1 liter of boiling water. meat broth. One onion is sautéed for butter and add to it two grated carrots and one turnip (or celery).

Put the vegetables in a saucepan, add salt and cook for another 10 minutes. until the chestnuts are done. Allow the soup to cool slightly and beat it with a blender. Before serving, season with sour cream and garnish with dill or other herbs.

In medicine

The role of edible chestnut in medicine is also invaluable.

Parts of the tree are used fresh and dried in the form of infusions, decoctions and alcoholic tinctures for the treatment of many diseases:

• inflammatory processes in the upper respiratory tract;
• whooping cough;
• varicose veins;
• diseases of the stomach and intestines;
• edema associated with kidney disease;
• epistaxis;
• wounds and cuts;
• abscesses and boils;
• wounds and cuts;
• Qatar Bladder and dysentery;
• expansion of the veins of the anus and rectum;
• dilated veins of the nasopharynx;
• painful menstruation;
• climax.

Flowers for painful menstruation

Dilute 30 drops of juice from chestnut blossoms with two teaspoons of water and take twice a day.

Leaves for severe cough and whooping cough

A mixture of two teaspoons of crushed chestnut leaves and 250 ml. Bring water to a boil and cook for 3-5 minutes. Then filter and take a sip during the day.

Separately, it must be said about chestnut Bee Honey: rare and incredibly useful. Its taste is specific: tart and bitter. But him healing properties undeniable. It saturates the body with vitamins B, C and D, enzymes, various amino acids, as well as calcium, manganese, iron and copper.

Chestnut honey is used:

• as a prevention of gastrointestinal diseases, to improve appetite and stimulate bile secretion;
• with asthma, bronchitis, tonsillitis and other respiratory diseases;
• to strengthen the organs of the cardiovascular system, as well as normalize blood pressure;
• in disorders nervous system, as it has a calming and relaxing effect;
• for various skin lesions as an antibacterial agent.

To eliminate the bitterness in the taste of chestnut honey, you need to warm it up a little on the fire. But in this case, all valuable properties will be lost. Chestnut honey does not crystallize and can be stored for up to three years.

Horse chestnut in medicine

The medicinal properties of horse chestnut have long been used in alternative medicine, and are also widely used in pharmaceuticals.

Medications and traditional medicine based on horse chestnut help with the following diseases:

• varicose veins and varicose ulcers;
• sinusitis;
• haemorrhoids;
• arthritic and rheumatic pains;
• diarrhea;
• malaria;
• uterine bleeding;
• salts and radionuclides in the body.

Fruit decoction bath

A bath with a decoction of horse chestnut fruits is effective for the treatment of mastopathy, varicose veins, peripheral circulation disorders, hemorrhoids, rheumatism, thrombophlebitis and vasospasm.

One kilogram of fruits and 5 liters of water are brought to a boil, and then boiled over low heat for 30 minutes. The resulting broth is filtered, poured into a bath, where it cools to 37-38 degrees. Such a bath is taken for 10-15 minutes before going to bed. Course - 10 - 12 baths, daily or every other day.

Infusion of fruits on the water

Take 2 tbsp. chopped fruits of horse chestnut, pour boiling water. Put on water bath for 15 minutes. Strain the broth and take 2 tbsp. 4 times a day for the following diseases:

• cough,
• bronchitis,
• diarrhea
• inflammation of the kidneys.

Treat until you recover.

Oil for varicose veins, bruises

5 tbsp crushed fruits pour 0.5 liters. vegetable oil. Put in a water bath for 1 hour. Cool and strain. Rub 2-3 times a day on problem areas.

Treat until you recover.

Alcohol tincture on flowers

Put fresh horse chestnut flowers in a bottle at 1/3 volume, top up with alcohol and cork well. Insist 1 month in a dark warm place. Shake daily. Strain. Place in refrigerator for storage.

Fruit tincture of alcohol

30 pcs. fruits of horse chestnut peeled and chopped, pour 0.5 l. vodka. Cork and put for 1 week in a dark place. Strain.

Rub into problem areas 2-3 times a day. The course of treatment is 1-2 months.

Inside the tincture is taken with the addition boiled water 20 drops 3 times a day 30 minutes before meals. The course of treatment is 4-8 weeks.

Medicinal properties of this tincture:

• thins the blood
• with varicose veins,
• thrombophlebitis,
• bruises,
• gcmorroe,
• hypertension,
• sciatica,
• arthrosis,
• osteochondrosis,
• ligament stretching.

Infusion of bark on water

1/2 member chopped bark of horse cashew pour 1 tbsp. boiled water at room temperature. Insist 8 hours, strain. Take an infusion 3-4 times a day, 2 tbsp. 30 minutes before meals for the following diseases:

• hemorrhoids (applied both internally and externally),
• lung and bronchial diseases
• diarrhea
• back diseases (applied both internally and externally),
• runny nose,
• internal bleeding,
• gout,
• rheumatism.

The course of treatment is from 1 to 4 weeks, depending on the disease.

Sitz bath for hemorrhoids

50 gr. horse chestnut bark or branches pour 3 liters. water and bring to a boil. Cook for 15-20 minutes. Strain and pour into a bath of cool water.

Before going to bed, after emptying the bowels, take a bath for 15 minutes. The course of treatment is 2 weeks.

Take 1 tsp at the same time. juice or alcohol tincture from flowers, diluted with water, 2 times a day during the entire course of treatment.

Treatment of sinusitis

Peel fresh horse chestnut fruit. Shape the fetus into a "pencil" sized to fit in the nostril. Lubricate the "pencil" with honey and insert into the nostril.

After 5 minutes, there will be a burning sensation, sneezing. Lots of mucus will come out. Remove the pencil immediately and insert it into the other nostril, leave it until mucus is released.

The procedure is done every other day until recovery. Every time you need to use fresh chestnuts.

The remedy is used on initial diseases in addition to the appointments of the attending physician.

Attention! A prerequisite for the use of chestnut as medicinal product is a doctor's consultation.

In production

Chestnut wood is highly valued in construction and furniture production due to its strength, aesthetic appearance and resistance to various fungi. It is more durable than oak, so it is recognized as the best for making barrels for aging wine.

Leaves, bark and cupules act as raw materials for obtaining natural dyes and extracts for vegetable tanning of leather.

Extracted chestnut chips are used in pulp production, and chestnut oil has been used in soap making.

At home

In everyday life, chestnut trees are used as a decorative element for garden and summer cottages. Often chestnut is grown at home.

Varieties

There are over 400 crops suitable for cultivation. The most common varieties are:

• Large-fruited. Fruit weight - 7-12 g. Grows in Azerbaijan;
• Small-fruited. Fruit weight - 4.5-6.5 g. Grows in Azerbaijan;
• Lyon, Storm de Lilyak, Neapolitan. Fruit weight - 20-60 g. Cultivated in Italy, southern France and the Iberian Peninsula.

Chestnuts with large fruits in the natural environment are not found.

About the red-colored chestnut, which is not afraid of the chestnut moth, see the following video.

Cultivation and care

For the cultivation of seed chestnut, certain climatic conditions and soil composition are necessary. However, there are edible chestnut cultivars adapted for wintering that are grown in temperate climates.

There are several ways to grow chestnuts:

• seedlings;
• seeds in spring;
• seeds in autumn.

seedlings

For the first method, you need to purchase chestnut seedlings. This can be done at flower markets, but to be completely sure of their quality, it is recommended to contact a specialized nursery.

For planting, a special soil substrate is used, consisting of forest land (50%), humus (50%), special dolomite flour and slaked lime, 0.5 kg per 50 cm3. This mass is placed in the ground, seedlings are planted to a depth of about 10 cm and watered abundantly with water at a comfortable temperature. Keep in mind that for the best fruiting, one seedling needs an area of ​​\u200b\u200babout 3 meters in diameter.

Seeds in spring

For the spring growing method, the fruits of the last harvest are used, which were aged in temperature conditions from + 5 to 6 °C for 5 months. Five days before planting in the ground, it is necessary to soak the fruits in warm water. Then their shell swells, and inside the process of development of the embryo begins. Then these seeds are planted in the ground without shelter.

Seeds in autumn

For the autumn growing method, crumbled nuts are collected and a stratification procedure is carried out. The fruits are placed in an open container and sprinkled with sand, and then removed in the cold for 10-12 days. Best temperature regime for seed stratification: from + 5 to 6 °С.

After that, the seeds are planted in well-moistened soil to a depth of 5 or 6 cm, every 10 or 15 cm, and are covered with fallen leaves from above. In the spring it is necessary to thin out the seedlings.

Care

When caring for a chestnut tree, produce:

• watering young trees as the soil dries;
• single fertilizer in early spring;
• loosening the soil 2 or 3 times during the season;
• mulching the soil around the trunk with fallen leaves, sawdust or peat.

For growing chestnuts at home, see the following video.

• the beams of the famous Cathedral of Notre Dame in Reims are made of Colchis chestnut wood;
• during the reign of Alexander the Great, the army's food supplies were provided by crops from numerous chestnut groves that were planted specifically for these needs;
• more than 75% of the world production of chestnut nuts comes from China (69%) and Korea (7%). The share of Russia is 2%;
• life span of chestnut optimal conditions– 500 and more years;
• spiders never weave webs in buildings made of this wood. Thanks to this valuable property, chestnut wood beams were used to build most of the medieval castles in Europe;
• edible chestnut nuts cooked on fire are eaten hot and washed down with grape juice. This combination is the most perfect for gourmets;
• horse chestnut flowers are endowed valuable properties only the first 2 days of flowering.

In nature, there are two types of chestnuts - edible (toothed) and horse. In Russia, horse chestnut grows at every step. And edible grows in Asia, Europe, America. In Europe, scalloped chestnut is considered the second bread.

Until recently, I myself did not know that there are edible fruits. Resting in Europe, I saw how they were sold fried on the street. I decided to try what they taste like.

They have a sweet taste. Reminds me of fried potatoes. I did not remain in great delight with chestnuts. Maybe because some of my nuts were overcooked. Therefore, I could not fully get enough of their taste.

If the product is consumed raw, then it will taste like a nut.

Chestnut - the benefits and harms of a nut

This fruit is not only delicious, but also very healthy. An edible nut contains vitamins and microelements that improve the functioning of the cardiovascular system, intestines, and respiratory organs. And they are the prevention of varicose veins, hemorrhoids, thrombophlebitis.

Edible chestnut contains vitamin K, vitamins B, A and ascorbic acid. There are trace elements manganese, potassium, copper, calcium, magnesium, zinc, thiamine, retinol.

Unlike other types of nuts, chestnut is low in calories, it contains only 170 kcal per 100 grams of product, but at the same time, a feeling of satiety appears for a long time. Therefore, it is good to use it for those who want to lose weight.

Also, with the regular use of nuts, metabolism is normalized, bowel function improves. Beneficial effect on endocrine system and thyroid.

These nuts are good to eat during fasting.

Harm chestnut.

The product has some contraindications for use. These include pregnancy and breastfeeding, low blood pressure, and kidney or liver problems. Individual intolerance to the product is possible.

How to choose chestnuts.

On the territory of Russia, these nuts are exotic. Therefore, they are sold mainly in supermarkets.

At the time of purchase, make sure that the fruits are intact, without damage.

When buying in the market, you need to be very careful. Since edible fruits look similar to horse ones. If you eat fruits from a horse tree, then there may be poisoning.

As it is.

Edible fruits are eaten raw, they are fried, boiled, ground into flour and bread is made from it. If you found this product in the supermarket and bought it, then there are two options for preparing this nut: fry or boil.

To fry chestnuts, you first need to cut their peel crosswise, and then just fry in a pan. Roast nuts in a dry frying pan for 25-30 minutes. The fire during frying should be medium.

When frying, the peel on the nuts bursts, so it is easy to peel it later. Under the peel there is a velvety film, which is also peeled off.

Do not fry too many fruits at once. Because uneaten nuts will become rock hard. It is best to roast as many nuts as you can eat at once.

If you want boiled chestnuts, then you need to bring water to a boil. When it boils, put nuts in it and cook for 40 minutes. Then leave the fruits to cool directly in the water.

If you have cooked a lot of chestnuts, then you need to get out of the pan the amount of nuts that you immediately eat. Let the remaining fruits be in the water. Since dried chestnuts are poorly peeled.

If you wish, you can find recipes for dishes with these nuts on the Internet. In Europe, pork is cooked with chestnuts, various soups etc.

How to store.

Place nuts in an airtight container and refrigerate. This The best way their storage. Stored in a plastic bag at room temperature, chestnuts will quickly become moldy.