How to Peel Chestnuts? Tips for Peeling Chestnuts

Chestnut peeling can be done by first making a cross cut with a knife, boiling it in boiling water for 3 minutes, or baking it in an oven. After cooling, the outer shell and inner membrane can be easily peeled off. There are mainly five methods: hot water soaking method, oven heating method, freezing method, microwave oven method, and incision drying method.

1. Hot water soaking method

After washing fresh chestnuts, use a knife to make a cross shaped incision on the convex surface. After boiling the water in the pot, add chestnuts and simmer over medium heat for about 3 minutes. Remove and immediately immerse in ice water to cool down. The principle of thermal expansion and contraction will cause the outer shell to separate from the nut. At this time, the hard shell can be easily peeled off along the incision, and the inner membrane will also fall off along with the outer shell. Please note that the cooking time should not be too long to avoid the fruit pulp being too soft and affecting the taste.

2. Oven Heating Method

Spread the chestnuts flat on a baking tray and make a deep cut on the surface with a knife until it reaches the flesh. Bake in a preheated oven at 200 degrees Celsius for 15 minutes, then take it out and wrap it with a towel while it's still hot to knead. High temperature can increase the steam pressure inside chestnuts, causing natural cracking at the incision site. The kneading process can help peel off the shell and inner membrane as a whole. This method can preserve the sweet flavor of chestnuts and is suitable for direct consumption.

III. Freezing Method

Cut the raw chestnuts and put them in a sealed bag, then freeze them in the freezer for more than 2 hours. After removal, let it stand at room temperature for 10 minutes. When the surface is slightly melted, squeeze the incision with your hand, and the shell that becomes brittle at low temperatures will peel off in flakes. Freezing can cause the water inside chestnuts to crystallize and expand, disrupting the adhesion between the shell and the flesh. This method is particularly suitable for situations that require a large amount of peeling.

4. Microwave Oven Method

Place the sliced chestnuts into a microwave bowl and cover the bottom with a small amount of water. After heating on high heat for 2 minutes, take it out and let it stand for 1 minute to allow the steam to fully soften the shell. The internal pressure generated by microwave heating will cause the incision to burst open. Use kitchen pliers to clamp both sides of the crack to completely remove the fruit pulp. During operation, attention should be paid to preventing burns, and the processing capacity should not exceed 15 pieces per time.

5. Cut and air dry method

After making a cross cut on fresh chestnuts, place them in a well ventilated area and air dry for 2-3 days. When the outer shell slightly shrinks and curls, use your hand to break it open along the incision to separate it. Natural drying will cause chestnut moisture to evaporate, forming gaps between the shell and flesh. This method does not require additional tools, but it requires good weather conditions and is suitable for drying in rural courtyards.

The peeled chestnuts can be refrigerated for 3 days or frozen for 1 month. It is recommended to choose the peeling method according to cooking needs. Sugar fried chestnuts are suitable for oven cooking to preserve their burnt aroma, while chestnuts can be stewed in soup using hot water to improve efficiency. Pay attention to the safety of tool use during handling, and children should operate under adult supervision. Untreated peeled chestnuts can be soaked in light salt water to prevent oxidation and discoloration. Before making pastries, kitchen paper should be used to absorb surface moisture. Chestnut is rich in B vitamins and minerals. Taking it in moderation will help to supplement energy, but diabetes patients need to control their intake.