Those who truly know South Tyrol already know that autumn marks the arrival of the chestnut season! In this blog article, you’ll discover all the delicious things you can cook with this typical fruit.

“Keschtn” season is back!

Roasted chestnuts, chestnut hearts, chestnut cake, chestnut ice cream… and there are so many other ways to transform this emblematic autumn fruit! Here we share the key facts, plus the absolute best recipe dedicated to South Tyrolean “Keschtn”.

Traditionally roasted over the fire

Here, chestnuts are most often roasted over an open fire or on the stove. Important: before cooking, score the shell on the rounded side with a sharp knife so it won’t explode in the heat. In this form they are a staple of traditional Törggelen. When they’re served hot and steaming, the contest begins: who can fit more chestnuts in their mouth without taking a sip of water?


Photo: unsplash.com

How to bake your own chestnut hearts

Do you love chestnut hearts as much as we do? Here’s the ultimate recipe for 4 chestnut hearts.

You’ll need:
• 500g South Tyrolean sweet chestnuts
• 100g icing sugar
• 100g dark chocolate couverture
• 100ml double cream
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• Vanilla sugar or vanilla seeds/extract

That’s how:
1. Put the unpeeled chestnuts into boiling water and simmer for about 40 minutes.
2. Peel them and extract the flesh. Press it through a potato ricer.
3. Knead the chestnut mixture well with the icing sugar and vanilla sugar until you have a pliable mass.
4. Shape small hearts and chill them.
5. Melt the couverture in a bain-marie.
6. Using a fork, dip the chestnut hearts into the chocolate point-first, leaving the wider top edge uncovered.
7. Place the hearts on baking paper and leave the chocolate to set.
8. Whip the cream with a little sugar until stiff. Decorate the top of the chestnut hearts with it.
9. If you like, finish with a sprinkling of chestnut crumbs.

Good to know about chestnuts

Three engaging facts that answer the most frequent questions: where do chestnut groves grow, how tall and old do the trees get, and why are they so healthy? Ready for a concentrated dose of knowledge?
• Chestnut groves are found mainly in Valle Isarco/Eisacktal valley, down into South Tyrol’s south around Lake Caldaro/Kalterer See, and up through Val d’Adige/Etschtal valley.
• Remarkably long-lived: chestnut trees can reach 35 metres in height and live 500–600 years, with some reaching up to 1,000 years!
• Chestnuts are rich not only in starch, but also in nutrients and vitamins. They help increase serotonin levels – the so-called happiness hormone. Yes, chestnuts make you happy!