Basic Introduction to Kuancheng Chestnuts
Kuancheng Chestnuts, a well-known Chinese specialty, are produced in Kuancheng, Hebei Province. Kuancheng is located deep in the Yan Mountains, with iron-rich soil, ample sunlight, concurrent rainfall and heat, and significant day-night temperature differences, all of which are conducive to chestnut growth.
The nutritional content of chestnuts exceeds that of grains; chestnuts are rich in vitamins B1 and B2, with vitamin B2 content at least four times that of rice. Each 100 grams contain 24 milligrams of vitamin C. Fresh chestnuts have more vitamin C than tomatoes, which are known for their high vitamin C content, and over ten times as much as apples.
The minerals in chestnuts are also comprehensive, including potassium, magnesium, iron, zinc, and manganese. Although these do not reach the levels found in hazelnuts or melon seeds, they are still much higher than those in common fruits like apples and pears, especially in terms of potassium content, which is four times higher than that of apples, which are renowned for their potassium content.
Nutritional Value
Kuancheng Chestnuts have the functions of tonifying the spleen and stomach, boosting vital energy, replenishing the kidneys, strengthening the waist and bones, stopping bleeding, and reducing swelling and strengthening the heart. They are suitable for treating symptoms such as softness and weakness in the lower back and knees due to kidney deficiency, poor mobility in the lower limbs, increased urination, chronic diarrhea caused by coldness and deficiency in the spleen and stomach, and pain and bruising after external injuries or fractures.
Kuancheng Chestnuts can be used to treat symptoms such as regurgitation, hemoptysis, and hematochezia, and are suitable for people of all ages. Chestnuts are rich in soft dietary fiber, with a glycemic index lower than that of rice. As long as no sugar is added during processing and cooking, diabetics can also enjoy them in moderation. The unsaturated fatty acids and vitamins in chestnuts can prevent hypertension, coronary heart disease, and arteriosclerosis.
Chestnuts are rich in sugar, fat, protein, calcium, phosphorus, iron, potassium, and various vitamins, and can strengthen the body. Chestnuts, also known as Chinese chestnuts, along with jujubes and persimmons, are collectively known as the “three woody cereals.” Chestnuts are rich in protein, fat, carbohydrates, calcium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, and various vitamins, and can strengthen the spleen and stomach, supplement the kidneys, strengthen tendons and bones, and stop bleeding.
Regular consumption of chestnuts by pregnant women can help strengthen their bodies and bones, promote the development and maturation of the pelvis, and alleviate fatigue. Roasted chestnuts are fragrant and delicious, making them an excellent culinary delight.
Product Characteristics
1. External Quality:
The fruit has a brown-red luster, the flesh is a suitable yellowish-white color, the fruit is full and large and uniformly sized, with an average of 130 kernels per kilogram, individual kernels weighing 7.35 grams, and the largest kernel weighing 10.08 grams. They are sweet and pleasant to eat, and their shells are easy to peel when roasted. They are known as the “Pearls of the East” and have won the title of “Famous and High-Quality Agricultural Product of Hebei Province.”
2. Internal Quality:
Kuancheng chestnuts have a high content of oils and starch. Dry chestnuts have a carbohydrate content reaching 77%, comparable to that of grains (75%); fresh chestnuts have 40% carbohydrates, which is 2.4 times that of potatoes. Fresh chestnuts have a protein content of 4% to 5%, less than peanuts or walnuts but slightly higher than cooked rice.
Awards and Honors
On February 21, 2010, Kuancheng Chestnuts successfully registered as a Chinese geographical indication trademark.
In November 2023, Kuancheng Chestnuts were awarded the title of “Famous and High-Quality Agricultural Product of Hebei Province.”
Treatment Methods Using Kuancheng Chestnuts:
1. For physical weakness and deficiency of both qi and blood: 100 grams of chestnut meat stir-fried with 60 grams of shiitake mushrooms and seasonings.
2. For kidney deficiency and soreness and weakness in the lower back and legs: Consume seven dried raw chestnuts each morning and evening, chewed finely and swallowed slowly.
3. For post-illness weakness, weak limbs, and poor appetite: Boil 30 grams of dry chestnuts with water until cooked, add an appropriate amount of brown sugar, and consume once before bed.
4. For elderly individuals with qi deficiency and shortness of breath: Boil 10 chestnuts with 10 jujubes and an appropriate amount of lean pork, then consume with seasonings.
5. For bronchitis: Boil 250 grams of chestnuts with an appropriate amount of lean pork and consume with seasonings.
6. For kidney deficiency and insufficient spleen and stomach: Cook an appropriate amount of chestnuts and rice together into porridge, add sugar to taste, and consume once daily.
7. For frequent urination and weakness in the waist and feet due to nephritis: Consume 50 grams of chestnuts, roasted over fire, each morning and evening.
8. For infantile diarrhea: Grind chestnuts into powder, cook into a paste, add sugar to taste, and feed the child.
9. For muscle and bone swelling and pain: Crush an appropriate amount of chestnuts and apply to the affected area.
10. For hemorrhoidal bleeding: Burn chestnut shells to charcoal, grind into powder, mix 10 grams with 30 grams of honey in warm water, and consume.
Dietary Taboos:
Although the nutritional and health benefits of Kuancheng Chestnuts are high, they need to be consumed properly. Chestnuts should not be eaten in large quantities at one time, as eating too many can cause bloating. Eating just 6 to 7 chestnuts daily can provide good nourishment if done consistently. It's best to eat them as a snack between meals or included in meals rather than eating a lot after a meal. This is because chestnuts contain a lot of starch, and eating them after a meal can lead to excessive calorie intake, which is not conducive to maintaining a healthy weight.