Sweet Chestnut Paste

Sweet Chestnut Paste is a smooth, richly flavored spread or filling made from boiled or roasted sweet chestnuts, often sweetened with sugar and sometimes enhanced with vanilla or butter. It is a traditional autumn and winter treat in many European countries, particularly France, Italy, and Portugal, where chestnuts are abundant. The paste is used in pastries, desserts, and as a standalone confection.

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

Sweet Chestnut Paste is primarily a source of carbohydrates, with a moderate amount of dietary fiber and very little fat or protein. It provides essential minerals like potassium and manganese, and a typical 100g serving contains roughly 250-300 calories.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	320 kcal
Protein	2.5 g
Carbs	72 g
Fat	1.5 g
Fiber	6 g
Sugar	45 g
Sodium	10 mg
Manganese	1.2 mg
Potassium	480 mg
Copper	0.4 mg
Vitamin C	15 mg
Vitamin B6	0.2 mg
Magnesium	45 mg
Iron	1.5 mg
Phosphorus	70 mg

Per 1/2 cup (120 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, this paste is a cornerstone of holiday confections in regions like the Cévennes in France, where it's used in the famous 'marrons glacés' (candied chestnuts). Nutritionally, it's unique among nut-based pastes for its low fat content and high complex carbohydrate profile, offering sustained energy.