Super source
Carbohydrate
36.0 g · 13% DV target
A starchy, sweet-fleshed nut that softens into a creamy texture when roasted, chestnuts function more like a complex carbohydrate than a typical oilseed.
Chestnuts differ significantly from other tree nuts because they are primarily composed of carbohydrates rather than fats, making them more similar in nutritional profile to starchy vegetables or grains .11
Habitual consumption of tree nuts is well-established as a cardio-protective dietary choice, with systematic reviews linking nut intake to reduced risk factors for cardiovascular disease .89
Dried European chestnuts are a concentrated source of dietary fibre, which is essential for digestive health and maintaining stable blood sugar levels .10
Chestnuts contain notable amounts of gallic and ellagic acids, which are phenolic compounds (plant-derived molecules with antioxidant properties) that contribute to the nut's unique chemical profile compared to other seeds.
Petal shape shows the nine FoodCompass domains, including nutrient density, processing, satiety, fats, and phytochemicals.
36.0 g · 13% DV target
5.80 g · 21% DV target
8.88 g · 18% DV target
0.10 g · Top 25% of nuts & seeds
0.87 g · Top 18% of nuts & seeds
14.3 mg · 16% DV target
Fresh chestnuts have high moisture content and spoil easily at room temperature
Can be frozen raw in shells or after roasting and peeling
Chestnut trees are long-lived perennials that help with carbon sequestration and require minimal irrigation compared to almonds.
Unlike most other nuts, chestnuts are the only ones that contain significant amounts of vitamin C, a trait more common in fruits than seeds.