How long does it take to cook shelled chestnuts

Shelled chestnuts usually need to be cooked for 15-30 minutes to fully ripen, depending on the size of the chestnuts, the heat, and the cooking method. The cooking time of shelled chestnuts mainly depends on their freshness and individual differences. Fresh chestnuts are usually easier to cook than those that have been stored for a longer time due to their sufficient moisture content. If boiled over high heat in a regular soup pot and then turned to medium low heat, medium-sized chestnuts can be completely softened in about 20 minutes. If they can be easily penetrated with chopsticks, it means they are ripe. Pressure cooker cooking can be shortened to 10-15 minutes, but attention should be paid to controlling the pressure to avoid excessive softening and affecting the taste. Some old varieties or chestnuts that have been stored for a long time may need to extend the cooking time to more than 30 minutes. This type of chestnut starch aging can make the cell wall more difficult to decompose. It is recommended to use a knife to cut open the skin or soak it for 2 hours before cooking. If steaming is used, it needs to be extended for 5-10 minutes, and the steam penetration speed is slower than boiling water. Chestnuts with shells require an additional 10 minutes of cooking time due to the obstruction of the outer shell, while chestnut kernels without inner lining may reduce cooking time by 5 minutes.

It is recommended to check the condition of chestnuts multiple times during cooking to avoid nutrient loss caused by overcooking. Chestnuts are rich in B vitamins and potassium elements, and excessive heating can damage thermosensitive nutrients. It can be stewed together with Chinese yam, red dates and other ingredients to enhance the nutritional value. People with weak gastrointestinal function should pay attention to controlling the consumption of no more than 10 pills per time. diabetes patients need to carefully calculate the intake of staple food. The remaining ripe chestnuts should be refrigerated and consumed within 3 days.