Chestnuts tumble down the tree in autumn, shiny brown. Children in particular are fascinated by them and diligently collect them. The horse chestnut can play a leading role in handicrafts, chestnuts are even edible. Proper storage extends the joyful chestnut season.

Chestnuts shrink as they dry

The shelf life of horse chestnuts

Collecting chestnuts is fun. Again and again a magnificent specimen is discovered under the chestnut tree, which simply has to go into the basket. A large crowd quickly gathers.

But as beautiful and tempting as they look, horse chestnuts are unfortunately not edible for us humans. On the other hand, they are very good for native wild animals. Giving excess chestnuts to a nearby animal park is the best solution, because they cannot be stored at home for a long time.

Save horse chestnuts

If the crafting action cannot start immediately, the chestnuts must be kept fresh for a few days. This goes best in a cool, dry, and airy place where they are spread out on cardboard. At room temperature the chestnuts would quickly shrink and harden.

Dried chestnuts, for example in a craft project, last longer, but they don't look as impressive anymore.

Store chestnuts properly

With horse chestnuts, it is above all a beautiful appearance, sweet chestnuts must also remain edible and taste good. If the amount cannot be consumed quickly, they must spend the waiting time in a convenient place.

  • a few days in a cool and dry room
  • in the refrigerator for up to four weeks
  • in the freezer for a full six months

Keep in the room only for a few days

Chestnuts only keep for a few days at normal room temperature. This is acceptable provided they are consumed soon. Offer them the coolest spot you have available. This extends their freshness by a few more days.

Store in the fridge

  1. Place the chestnuts in a plastic bag.
  2. Make several holes in the bag to allow air exchange.
  3. Place the chestnuts in the vegetable drawer of the refrigerator.
  4. Check the contents regularly so that spoiled chestnuts are sorted out quickly.

Freezing offers the longest shelf life

Chestnuts can be frozen raw with the shell. If you will later use them as a food ingredient, then prior cooking makes sense. The chestnuts are cooked after about 10 minutes and can be peeled after they have cooled down and then frozen, well wrapped.

The garden journal freshness ABC

How can fruit and vegetables be stored correctly so that they stay fresh for as long as possible?

The garden journal freshness ABC as a poster:

  • as a free PDF file to print out yourself

Category:

Trees