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Chestnut FAQ'S

Is there a difference between chestnuts, horse chestnuts, and water chestnuts?  

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Yes! Our chestnuts are the starchy seeds, or nuts, of the chestnut tree (Castanea).  Because of their appearance, they're often confused with horsechestnuts and their cousin, the buckeye; horsechestnuts, however, are very bitter and are therefore considered toxic. Water chestnuts, used in many oriental dishes, are actually a type of aquatic vegetable commercially grown in warm Asian climates and are not to be confused with true chestnuts either.

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Why Chinese chestnuts?

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Learn about the history of American chestnuts in the U.S. and see why Chinese chestnuts are the most commercially relevant option today.

Can chestnuts be eaten raw?

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High concentrations of tannic acid in chestnuts can cause stomach irritation and even liver or kidney damage.  To avoid digestive problems, chestnuts should typically be roasted or boiled before eating.

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How do chestnuts compare to other nuts?

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In contrast to other nuts, the chestnut's meat is soft and starchy and more grain-like than traditional nuts that contain higher fat and oil contents.  Other nuts have their own sets of nutrients and health benefits, but none are as nutrient-dense as the chestnut.  

Why do you only ship on Mondays and Tuesdays?

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Once harvested, chestnuts must be kept very cool and moist to prevent spoilage; that said, it's important that chestnuts not be caught in the mail system over the course of a weekend.  By shipping early in the week, we can be certain that your chestnuts will arrive the same week and you will receive the freshest product possible. 

FIND OUT when chestnuts are available in 2025!

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VALLEY CHESTNUTS

 

18335 Irish Ridge Road

Sperry, IA 52650

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