October brings with it the beginning of autumn and the return of cold and rain and also of chestnuts, a typical Portuguese fruit, which at this time returns to the table and Portuguese competitions, and is once again highlighted in majostos and dinners. .
The small brown dried fruit can be eaten roasted in the oven or as an accompaniment to other dishes such as rojo. Anyway, chestnut season is back and no matter how they are prepared, the Portuguese always enjoy a good chestnut.
The highlight of the chestnut is the Magustus and the Fairs of São Martinho, the patron saint celebrated on November 11, where the chestnuts are often made directly in the flames of an outdoor fire, a tradition of this event.
Despite their small size, chestnuts are a very nutritious fruit with many health benefits that can be prepared in different ways, such as cooked, roasted, as a side dish, or even used in desserts and cakes.
Therefore, this snack is undoubtedly one of the symbols of autumn and this time of year, and despite its size, it is a very nutritious fruit that brings many benefits to our health.
Learn about some of the health benefits of chestnuts here:
- Chestnuts are a food very rich in potassium, magnesium, iron, calcium, phosphorus, zinc, copper and selenium. They are also a good source of minerals, and are a recommended fruit for those who do a lot of physical exercise.
- The potassium found in the fruit is a mineral that helps regulate blood pressure levels, while magnesium is beneficial for people who suffer from high levels of physical and psychological stress, as it helps them relax and sleep.
- Chestnuts are a food consisting mainly of complex carbohydrates and large amounts of amylose (glucose) and amylopectin (starch) that allow the development of intestinal flora and the production of fatty acids. Starch also helps prevent sudden spikes in blood glucose, making this food very beneficial for diabetics.
- Chestnuts are a good source of antioxidants that are linked to preventing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
- The fruit is high in fiber, which contributes to reducing cholesterol and fat levels and stimulates the presence of beneficial probiotic bacteria in the intestines, which can help reduce inflammation and fecal bacterial enzymes associated with some intestinal cancers;
- Chestnuts are rich in B vitamins (B1, B2, B6), folic acid, thiamine and vitamin C, which contribute to the functioning of the immune system and reduce fatigue and exhaustion.
- Unlike other dried fruits, chestnuts are very low in calories due to the starch in their composition and their high fiber content. This fruit contributes to appetite control and helps regulate intestinal transit.
- Chestnuts are a gluten-free food, making them a good choice for celiac disease or people with gluten sensitivity.
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