This is how they keep their taste

Recognize fresh chestnuts

Fruits that fall from the tree are of course fresh, unless they have been on the ground for a long time. Unfortunately, chestnuts that are past their best days are often offered in the markets. This is how you can tell whether the fruits on offer are fresh:

the fruits are plump and heavy
do not give in under pressure
the peel is shiny and has not dried up
they don't smell musty
no cracks or small holes can be seen
no mold spores can be seen

Short storage at room temperature

Really fresh fruit can be stored for many days. But to keep them fresh and tasty, they need special storage conditions.

You cannot simply store chestnuts in a fruit bowl in the kitchen or living room. At normal room temperature, they quickly lose their taste and even begin to germinate. This type of storage is only acceptable if all fruits are consumed within a week.

The refrigerator is the best storage place

The cool temperatures in the refrigerator are ideal for long-term storage of chestnuts because they protect the fruit from drying out and prevent heat-induced germination.

Before they go into the vegetable compartment, chestnuts should be packed in a plastic bag. This must never be closed tightly, otherwise mold will quickly develop. The plastic bag must allow air to be exchanged, which is why several holes are punched in it beforehand.

You can keep the chestnuts in the refrigerator for a whole month. Occasionally check that all the chestnuts are still in perfect condition.

Store the sweet chestnuts in the freezer

Another storage option is freezing. Chestnuts can be put raw in the freezer without any problems, but they can also be boiled for about 10 minutes beforehand. The cooked fruits are then removed from the skin and frozen after cooling.

Chestnuts can be kept in the freezer for six months.