Basic Introduction to Wenxian Hairy Chestnuts
Hairy chestnuts, also known as Chinese chestnuts, hairy chestnuts, Feng chestnuts, and chestnut fruits, are widely produced in the mountainous areas around Wenxian and Longnan. The hairy chestnuts from the Wenxian region are large, meaty, and sweet, making them a premium variety among chestnuts. Hairy chestnuts are rich in nutrients and have the benefits of strengthening the spleen and nourishing the liver.
Nutritional Value
Regular consumption of hairy chestnuts can achieve the purpose of anti-aging and longevity. The renowned physician Sun Simiao referred to them as “the fruit of the kidney, suitable for those with kidney ailments.” Hairy chestnuts contain abundant carbohydrates, various vitamins, and trace elements such as iron, zinc, and tungsten. They have therapeutic effects such as invigorating qi and blood, tonifying the kidneys, thickening the intestines, and regulating the spleen and liver.
Historical Folklore
China is the homeland of chestnuts, with a long history of chestnut cultivation dating back to the Western Zhou period. The Book of Songs mentions, “Chestnuts grow outside the eastern gate, not in gardens or orchards, but as roadside trees.” The Zuo Zhuan also records, “Roadside chestnuts, indicating that they were planted as roadside trees,” suggesting that chestnut trees were already being cultivated in gardens or used as roadside trees at that time.
Preparation Method
Sugar-Fried Chestnuts (Oven Version)
Main Ingredients: Chinese Chestnuts (500 grams)
Condiments: Rock Sugar (two pieces), Cooking Oil (half a spoonful), Boiling Water (as needed)
Cookware: Electric Oven
1. Wash the chestnuts with water and dry off the moisture;
2. Cut a cross on each chestnut using a knife; do not hold the chestnuts by hand to avoid accidental injury;
3. Place the chestnuts in a bowl, add half a spoonful of oil, and mix well;
4. Arrange the chestnuts evenly on a baking tray and bake in a preheated 200-degree oven for 25 minutes;
5. Melt the rock sugar in hot water;
6. After roasting the chestnuts for 25 minutes, remove them from the oven, brush them with the sugar syrup, especially on the cuts, and then continue roasting for another 5 minutes.
Tasting and Eating Methods for Wenxian Hairy Chestnuts
The main ways to enjoy hairy chestnuts include sugar-frying, steaming, boiling, and making into jams, with dishes like Chicken with Chestnuts being popular. Although chestnuts have high nutritional and health benefits, they need to be consumed properly. It's not advisable to eat a large amount of chestnuts at once, as it can cause bloating. Eating just six to seven chestnuts daily can effectively provide good nourishment. It's best to consume chestnuts as a snack between meals or incorporate them into dishes rather than eating a large amount after a meal.