Basic Introduction to Xingtai Chestnuts
The Taihang Mountains have a long history of chestnut cultivation, and they are an important production area for high-quality chestnuts in China. Xingtai County is the second-largest chestnut-producing county in Hebei Province. The production base for Xingtai chestnuts is located in the western Taihang Mountains of Xingtang. This region has unique natural resources and is considered “the greenest part of the Taihang Mountains,” far from pollution.
Nutritional Value
Xingtai chestnuts are full-sized, glossy in color, large with thin shells, and their flesh is sweet and glutinous. They are rich in high-quality carbohydrates, protein, vitamins, and various minerals.
Product Characteristics
The seeds are large, the color is shiny, the meat is tender, the flavor is sweet and glutinous, the appearance is attractive, the base is small, and the fruit shape is neat and uniform.
Preparation Method
Chestnut Roasting with Electric Griddle
Main Ingredients: 100g of chestnuts
Condiments: oil as needed, honey as needed
1. Wash the chestnuts with water and drain them.
2. Cut a slit at the top with scissors.
3. Drizzle some oil over them and mix well.
4. Turn on the electric griddle, set it to both upper and lower heating, and drizzle an appropriate amount of oil.
5. Pour the chestnuts into the electric griddle, cover, and roast until the light automatically turns off.
6. Use an oil-coated brush to flip the chestnuts, then continue roasting with the lid closed.
7. Roast until the cracks in the chestnuts become larger, then add an appropriate amount of honey.
Determining Authenticity of Xingtai Chestnuts
Look at the Color
Some raw chestnuts appear very shiny and dark like chocolate; do not buy these, as they are old. Choose those that are lighter in color (like coffee with added creamer), with a slightly powdery surface that isn't overly glossy – these are fresh chestnuts.
Examine the Fuzz
Everyone knows that chestnuts have a lot of fuzz at the tail end. On old chestnuts, the fuzz is generally less abundant, only present at the tip. Fresh chestnuts usually have more fuzz.
Inspect the Surface
Check the surface for any signs of insect damage.
Examine the Size
There is a type of Japanese chestnut that is very large and appealing, but this variety has a lot of moisture, less sweetness, and higher yields than domestic varieties, making them less sweet. The second type is a common medium-sized variety, which may vary somewhat in taste depending on the origin. The third type is less common, very small, and typically mountain chestnuts – genuine green food with a sweet taste.
Consider the Shape
Common chestnuts come in two shapes: one side is round while the other is relatively flat; the other type is flat on both sides. For sweeter chestnuts, choose the first type; for less sweet ones, select the second type.
Awards and Honors
In December 2004, when the State Forestry Administration announced the third batch of “Famous, Special, and High-Quality Forest Products Hometowns,” Xingtai County was designated as “China's Chestnut Hometown.”