Traditions and Trivia: Chestnuts

Chestnuts have been a Christmas treat for a long time due to their seasonal availability in the winter-time.

According to livescience.com, “Chestnuts became a staple in the mountainous regions around the Mediterranean Sea thousands of years ago, in part because most cereal grains couldn't grow in these areas.”

Roasting the nuts causes them to lose their bitter taste and take on a sweeter one.

“Early Christians believed the nut symbolized chastity, which, although that theme doesn't tie directly into Christmas, does connect the nut to religion,” the website states.

Other connections include 16th century vendors who sold the chestnuts in Rome during the Christmas season.

Many enjoyed chestnuts as a dessert-type treat to be eaten with other preserved or dried fruits after the main meal.