Full List of Fruits American Chestnut tree
Introduction of American ChestnutMethod of consumptionNutritional Value of American ChestnutHealth Benefits of American Chestnut
American Chestnut
Introduction of American Chestnut
Scientific name - Castanea dentata
American chestnut is a large, monoecious deciduous tree of the beech family. Large, round spiny husk i.e. very sharp they are native to hilly forests of China, Japan, Europe, and North America. They appear to be flattened on one side, pointed at one end Fruit (nut) ½ to 1 inch in diameter seasons in early fall.
Indigenous to eastern North America, the American chestnut is from the beech family and it is a large monoecious deciduous tree. It is a rapidly growing hardwood tree that reaches upto 30 meters in height. Its leaves being narrower, it also has longer and more arching teeth. Often they are misinterpreted with Chinese chestnuts, however it has dissimilarities. The fruit is found inside a spiny cupule which is called as "bur" or "burr". Based on the species, varieties and cultivars, the burs are paired on the branch and may contain one to seven nuts. The fruit has a barbed end with a small tuft at its tip.
The outer layer of the fruit can be peeled and consumed raw, but it can be a bit bitter, especially if the pellicle is not removed. The fruit can also be roasted and eaten, where peeling is not really necessary. After the cooking process of the fruit, it will look like a baked potato with a delicate, sweet and nutty flavor. As far as nuts are concerned, there are several ways to consume them. It can be candied, boiled, steamed, deep fried, grilled, or roasted in sweet or savory recipes. In addition, they are also used to stuff vegetables, poultry, fowl and other edibles.
Nutritional Value of American Chestnut
| Principle | Nutrient Value | Percentage of RDA |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | 213 Kcal | 11% |
| Carbohydrates | 45.54 g | 35% |
| Protein | 2.42 g | 4% |
| Total Fat | 2.26 g | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber | 8.1 g | 21% |
| Vitamins | ||
| Folates | 62 µg | 15.5% |
| Niacin | 1.179 mg | 7% |
| Pantothenic acid | 0.509 mg | 11% |
| Pyridoxine | 0.376 mg | 29% |
| Riboflavin | 0.168 mg | 13% |
| Thiamin | 0.238 mg | 20% |
| Vitamin A | 28 IU | 1% |
| Vitamin C | 43 mg | 72% |
| Electrolytes | ||
| Sodium | 3 mg | 0% |
| Potassium | 518 mg | 11% |
| Minerals | ||
| Calcium | 27 mg | 3% |
| Copper | 0.447 mg | 50% |
| Iron | 1.01 mg | 13% |
| Magnesium | 32 mg | 8% |
| Manganese | 0.952 mg | 41% |
| Phosphorous | 93 mg | 19% |
| Zinc | 0.52 mg | 5% |
Health Benefits of American Chestnut
