Nuts, chestnuts, european, dried, peeled
Whole food · Nut and Seed Products
Photo: Wikipedia
Dried, peeled European chestnuts are a sweet, starchy nut with a dense, chewy texture and a rich, nutty flavor reminiscent of roasted sweet potato. Unlike most nuts, they are remarkably low in fat and high in carbohydrates, providing a substantial energy source. Their natural sweetness is concentrated through the drying process, making them a potent ingredient in both sweet and savory cooking.
Calorie split: 5% protein · 85% carbs · 10% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
People love them for their unique, naturally sweet and earthy flavor that bridges the gap between a vegetable and a nut. They are cherished in culinary traditions for their versatility, transforming from a rustic snack into elegant desserts and hearty stews.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
Their high carbohydrate content can cause rapid blood sugar spikes if eaten alone, making them a consideration for diabetics. They also contain oxalates, which may be a concern for individuals prone to kidney stones. To counteract this, pair them with a source of protein (like cheese or meat) or healthy fat (like olive oil) to slow digestion, and practice portion control.
Key benefits
- Excellent source of complex carbohydrates for sustained energy
- Very low in fat compared to other nuts
- Contains vitamin C, unusual for a dried food
- Provides minerals like potassium, magnesium, and manganese
- Naturally gluten-free
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The European chestnut tree is in the same family as the oak, and its nuts are technically classified as a fruit, not a true botanical nut.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 9.0 g |
| Energy | 369 kcal |
| Energy | 1544 kj |
| Protein | 5.0 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 3.9 g |
| Ash | 3.6 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 78.4 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 64.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 2.4 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 74.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 137 mg |
| Potassium, K | 991 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 37.0 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.35 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.65 mg |
| Manganese, Mn | 1.2 mg |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 15.1 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.35 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.05 mg |
| Niacin | 0.85 mg |
| Pantothenic acid | 0.90 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.67 mg |
| Folate, total | 110 ug |
| Folic acid | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, food | 110 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 110 ug |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 0.00 ug |
| Retinol | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, IU | 0.00 iu |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3), International Units | 0.00 iu |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.00 ug |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 0.74 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.02 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 0.66 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 0.04 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 1.3 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.04 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 1.3 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.02 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 1.5 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 1.4 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.17 g |
| Cholesterol | 0.00 mg |
Amino acid profile (per 100g)
| Tryptophan | 0.06 g |
| Threonine | 0.18 g |
| Isoleucine | 0.20 g |
| Leucine | 0.30 g |
| Lysine | 0.30 g |
| Methionine | 0.12 g |
| Cystine | 0.16 g |
| Phenylalanine | 0.21 g |
| Tyrosine | 0.14 g |
| Valine | 0.28 g |
| Arginine | 0.36 g |
| Histidine | 0.14 g |
| Alanine | 0.34 g |
| Aspartic acid | 0.87 g |
| Glutamic acid | 0.65 g |
| Glycine | 0.26 g |
| Proline | 0.26 g |
| Serine | 0.25 g |
FAQ
How do dried chestnuts differ from fresh ones?
Dried chestnuts have a much more concentrated, sweeter flavor and a denser, chewier texture. They require rehydration (soaking) before use in most recipes, unlike fresh chestnuts which are cooked directly.
Are dried chestnuts a good source of protein?
While they contain some protein (about 5g per 100g), they are primarily a carbohydrate source. For a significant protein boost, they should be paired with other protein-rich foods.
Can I eat dried chestnuts as a snack?
Yes, but they are very hard and dense when dry. They are often sold pre-cooked and ready to eat, or can be lightly toasted or simmered to soften them. Their strong flavor makes them a more substantial snack than a typical nut.
Nutrient density (calculated · NRF9.3)
Nutrient Rich Foods index: beneficial nutrients (protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals) minus saturated fat, added sugar & sodium, per 100 kcal.
NRF9.3 index — Fulgoni, Keast & Drewnowski, 2009. Computed from USDA nutrients.
Weight-loss friendliness (composite index)
Energy density 3.69 kcal/g · 5% calories from protein · 0.0 g fiber · 0.0 g sugar per 100 g.
Composite of energy density (Rolls et al., 1999), protein & fiber satiety, minus sugar. A calculated heuristic — ranks satiety-per-calorie, not a clinical measure.
Dietary load (calculated from USDA values)
Potential renal acid load. Positive = acid-forming, negative = alkaline-forming.
Sodium-to-potassium ratio: 0.04 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.