Right from the onset of autumn all the way up to winter, you can find chestnuts in german supermarkets. Chestnuts grow very commonly in Germany, but the chestnuts that grow along the roads differ from those we get in supermarkets. The former is Horse chestnuts and not edible. The ones we get in supermarkets are edible but must be roasted before consumption. After roasting, they get a sweet and nutty flavor. Roasting chestnuts is very simple and can be done in a few easy steps:
- Give a crosscut on the chestnut with a knife. Chestnut clips are also available in the market, which makes it very easy to make crosscuts. With a knife, it is a bit difficult as the shell is hard, but if the quantity is less, you can manage it.
- Now soak the chestnuts in water for at least 2 hours.
- After 2 hours, pat them dry and spread them on a baking tray. Preheat the oven to 200 deg C for 10 minutes. Then roast the chestnuts in the oven at 200 deg C for 30-35 minutes or until the shells peel off.
- Let them cool a bit till it is easy for you to touch them. Then pull out the shell using your fingers. It comes out very easily.
Roasted Chestnuts are ready!
In Germany, roasting chestnuts at home is common, and in some ways, it symbolizes the arrival of cold winter days. In Christmas markets, called Weihnachtsmarkt in German, stalls sell roasted chestnuts, and they are a fun and healthy snack to munch on.
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