Do you know the difference between chestnuts and marrons? The chestnut is the fruit of the chestnut tree and is edible; as for the marron, whose real name is the horse chestnut, it is the fruit of the chestnut tree and is poisonous! As you will have understood, in reality, chestnut creams, marrons glacés and all other preparations that we consume are made from chestnuts ! But what are the nutritional characteristics of chestnuts? From what age can we give them to our babies? And finally, what recipes based on chestnuts can we offer him?
Nutritional value of chestnuts
Chestnuts are particularly interesting for their energy content thanks to their high starch content, i.e. their carbohydrate content (approximately 30g per 100g). It can be suitable for babies with a low weight because it has a carbohydrate content 1.5 times higher than potatoes. Chestnuts are also a source of fibre (about 4g per 100g). As a reminder, fibre helps to prevent constipation and regulate satiety.
Chestnuts are also a source of vitamins B6 and B9, which are necessary for the normal functioning of the immune system and to reduce fatigue. Finally, it is a source of potassium (on average 360mg per 100g). This mineral contributes to the normal functioning of the nervous system, muscular functions and the maintenance of a good blood pressure.
Introduction and preparation tips for chestnuts
Chestnuts are to be considered as starchy foods. It has the particularity of being gluten-free. This achene (meaning a floury mass) can be introduced at the time of dietary diversification in the same way as potatoes, rice, polenta, etc. It is a fruit present inautumn, generally from mid-October. You can find it vacuum-packed, canned, frozen, in the form of flour and for the most motivated: fresh! To fry them in a pan: open the peel slightly with the tip of a knife. Once cooked, they will open up by themselves. To cook them in water (a method that softens them and makes them easier to digest): slit the lunula (the lighter part) on both sides. Plunge the chestnuts into cold water and wait 3 minutes after boiling. Drain them and run them under cold water; the bark and the small bitter skin are removed by simple pressure of the fingers.
Recipe ideas with chestnuts
At the time of dietary diversification, original and tasty recipes can be given to baby: this is the case, for example, with pumpkin or pumpkin soup with chestnuts, celery purée with chestnuts or apple/chestnut compote!
Here are some other recipe ideas for older children:
- Pancake, muffin or biscuit with chestnut flour
- Banana and chestnut cream milkshake (preferably with little sugar)
- Pies or meatballs with chestnuts
- Pan-fried vegetables or poultry escalope with chestnuts
- Carrot and chestnut soufflé
- Apple/chestnut bricks
Many sweet and savoury, delicious and generous recipes that will delight young and old alike! Treat yourself, it is also perfect for the holidays...
Dietician - Nutritionist specialising in paediatrics
Source:
- CIQUAL. https://ciqual.anses.fr/ (December 2020)
- INTERFEL. Chestnuts: presentation, production, consumption - Interfel - Les fruits et légumes frais (lesfruitsetlegumesfrais.com) (December 2020)
- APRIFEL. Chestnut Brown - Aprifel (December 2020)
