What should I do if I can't peel off chestnut underwear

Chestnut underwear that cannot be peeled off can be treated by soaking it in hot water or baking it with a cut. There are mainly methods such as hot water soaking, incision baking, freezing treatment, microwave heating, and tool assistance.

1. Hot water soaking

Soak chestnuts in hot water for a few minutes, with the water temperature controlled at around 80 degrees Celsius. Hot water can soften the connecting tissue between chestnut underwear and fruit pulp, and after soaking, the underwear can be peeled off with a gentle rub by hand. Note that the soaking time should not be too long, otherwise it will cause the chestnut flesh to become too soft and affect the taste. This method is suitable for chestnuts with high freshness and may have a reduced effect on chestnuts that have been stored for a long time.

2. Cut and bake

Use a knife to make a cross shaped cut on the chestnut shell, place it in the oven at 180 degrees and bake for 10 minutes. High temperatures can cause chestnut underwear to shrink and separate from the flesh, making it easier to peel the shell while it is still hot after baking. This method can maintain the sweet taste of chestnuts, while high temperatures can also kill surface bacteria. But it is important to control the heat, as excessive baking can lead to excessive loss of moisture from chestnuts.

3. Freezing treatment

Place the raw chestnuts in the freezer compartment of the refrigerator and freeze for 2 hours. After removing them, thaw them slightly to easily peel off the underwear. Freezing can cause the internal moisture of chestnuts to crystallize, disrupting the bonding structure between the underwear and the fruit flesh. This method is particularly suitable for batch processing of large quantities of chestnuts, but thawed chestnuts should be consumed as soon as possible, otherwise they are prone to spoilage.

4. Microwave Heating

Place the chestnut in the microwave and heat it on high heat for 30 seconds. Remove it and peel it while it is still hot. Microwaves can quickly evaporate the internal moisture of chestnuts, producing steam. The steam pressure will open the connection between the underwear and the fruit flesh. This method is fast and efficient, but it requires close observation to prevent overheating. Each microwave oven has a different power, it is recommended to conduct a small amount of testing to determine the optimal heating time.

5. Tool Assistance

Use a specialized chestnut sheller or fruit knife to peel off the outer shell and underwear along the curved surface of the chestnut. This method requires a certain level of skill, and beginners may easily injure their hands or peel off too much fruit pulp. It is recommended to fix the chestnut first before operation, and it is easiest to operate by keeping the blade at a 30 degree angle to the surface of the chestnut. Cutting tools need to be sharp, blunt knives will increase the difficulty and danger of operation. Chestnuts are rich in starch and dietary fiber, and moderate consumption is beneficial for gastrointestinal health. It is recommended to choose fresh chestnuts with a full and glossy shell, and store them in a well ventilated and dry environment. When handling chestnuts, pay attention to safety and avoid cutting tools that may cause hand injuries or burns. The peeled chestnuts can be cooked into Congee, stew or desserts, but the consumption of sugar fried chestnuts should be controlled. Chestnuts are not easy to digest, and those with weak gastrointestinal function should consume them in moderation to avoid bloating caused by overeating at once. Chestnuts paired with meat can improve protein utilization, but should not be consumed with cold foods.