The European chestnut, or Castanea sativa, is an edible nut which grows on large trees and was once a very important source of nutrition to peasant communities in France and Italy.
The chestnut was introduced into Europe from Sardis, in Asia Minor; the fruit was then called the 'Sardian nut'. It has been a staple food in Southern Europe, Turkey and Eastern Asia for hundreds of years, largely replacing cereals where these would not grow well.
Alexander the Great and the Romans planted chestnut trees across Europe while on their various campaigns. The Greek army is said to have survived their retreat from Asia Minor in 401-399 BC thanks to their stores of chestnuts. To the early Christians, chestnuts symbolized chastity. Until the introduction of the potato, whole forest-dwelling communities which had scarce access to wheat flour relied on chestnuts as their main source of carbohydrates. In 1583, Charles Estienne and Jean Liébault wrote that "an infinity of people live on nothing else but (the chestnut)".
Chestnut trees grow to about 30m in height, and are very hardy when faced with frost and snow. The fruit is contained in a spiny (very sharp) burr 5–11 cm in diameter. The burrs are often paired or clustered on the branch and contain one to seven nuts according to the different species. Around the time the fruits reach maturity, the burrs turn yellow-brown and split open in 2 or 4 sections. The chestnut fruit has a shiny brown outer shell which can be peeled back to reveal the soft flesh inside.
Chestnut Flour is delicately flavoured and is milled from dried chestnuts. In Italy, it is known as ‘farina dolce’ for its sweet, rich taste. Gluten free and rich in nutrients, the flour can be used in a variety of pasta, pancakes and cakes (although it does not rise).
Doves Farm Organic Chestnut Flour in available in 10 x 500g catering packs or 20kg sacks. Please contact our sales team for more information.
