CHESTNUTS
Chestnuts
NATURAL CHESTNUTS
The chestnut is the fruit of Castanea sativa Mill. (Fagaceae), a tree widespread in the woodlands and mountains of southern Europe. Known since antiquity as the “bread tree”, it sustained rural communities of the Apennines and Alps for centuries, especially when cereals were scarce.
The tree can grow over 20 metres and live for more than five hundred years. The fruits are enclosed in a spiny burr that opens when ripe, releasing one to three shiny brown chestnuts with pale, floury flesh.
A symbol of resilience and nourishment, the chestnut has long been part of Italian culture and cuisine. Today it is enjoyed fresh, roasted, dried or ground into flour for traditional recipes.
Try it as a natural snack or to enrich sweet and savoury dishes with an autumnal touch. They also make a practical snack for any time of the day.
September 2025
Native to temperate Eurasia, the chestnut is now cultivated in many mild-climate countries. The main producers are China, Spain and Bolivia [FAOSTAT 2023], which together account for over 90 % of world output. In Italy, production is concentrated in regions such as Piedmont, Tuscany, Campania and Calabria, renowned for quality varieties.
Among the best-known:
• Marrone del Mugello, sweet, floury pulp, ideal for processing;
• Castagna di Cuneo, large and flavourful;
• Castagna di Montella, thin-skinned and firm;
• Marrone di Serino and Marrone di Castel del Rio, both PGI.
Econoce organic chestnuts come from Italian mountain areas where cool climates, acidic soils and mixed forests ensure natural growth and authentic flavour.
Nutritional values may vary slightly by type. NRV (Nutrient Reference Value) marks the daily intake recommended by the Ministry of Health; 100 % NRV is the minimum advisable intake, not a limit.
SINU recommends a 30 g serving of nuts or dried fruit.
A balanced diet and an active lifestyle are essential for wellbeing.
CHESTNUT
| Nutrition declaration | average values per 100 g: |
| Energy | 686 kJ / 163 kcal |
| Fat | 1,4 g |
| of which saturates | 0,5 g |
| Carbohydrate | 31 g |
| of which sugars | 8,1 g |
| Fibre | 7 g |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Salt | 0,01 g |
*NRV: Nutrient Reference Value.
Store dried chestnuts in a cool, dry place away from light and heat. In warmer months, keep refrigerated to prevent mould or pests.
Glass is ideal as it protects from humidity and external odours; coloured glass also helps preserve aroma and nutrients.
Always reseal containers tightly after opening to maintain fragrance and natural sweetness.
