How to Peel and Shell Frozen Chestnuts

Frozen chestnuts can be quickly peeled and shelled by soaking them in hot water and cutting them with a knife. After freezing, the outer shell of chestnuts becomes brittle, and the adhesion between the internal flesh and the shell decreases. It can be easily separated using the principle of thermal expansion and contraction.

1. Hot water soaking method

Soak frozen chestnuts in boiling water for 3-5 minutes. High temperature will soften and expand the chestnut shell. After removing it, wrap and rub it with a kitchen towel while it is still hot. Most of the chestnut shells will naturally crack and fall off. For partially shelled chestnuts, a toothpick can be used to pry open the remaining shell along the crack. This method can preserve the intact chestnut kernels and is suitable for cooking needs that require shape preservation.

2. Cut off the shell with a knife

Place frozen chestnuts flat on a cutting board and use a knife to cut a cross shaped opening on the curved surface of the chestnut, with a depth suitable for cutting the shell. Heat on high heat in the microwave for 20 seconds, and the shell will burst along the cut. Wearing insulated gloves and peeling them off while hot can also remove internal fuzz. Pay attention to controlling the heating time, excessive heating can cause chestnuts to dehydrate and harden. This method is efficient but may damage the flesh, making it suitable for urgent or large-scale processing.

It is recommended to cook the processed chestnuts as soon as possible to avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles affecting their taste. It can be used to make dishes such as chestnut roasted chicken and chestnut cake, or steamed with glutinous rice to enhance the sweet and fragrant flavor. Fresh shelled chestnut kernels can be refrigerated for 3 days, and long-term storage requires soaking in honey water and freezing. Chestnut is rich in B vitamins and potassium. Eating it with Chinese yams and red dates can help strengthen the spleen and stomach, but diabetes patients need to control their intake.