Basic Introduction to Zhangzhuang Oil Chestnuts
Zhangzhuang Oil Chestnuts are a specialty product of Zhangzhuang Town, Zoucheng City, Jining City, Shandong Province. They are one of the finest varieties of Chinese chestnuts, named for their thin, shiny skin and crisp, sweet taste. Zhangzhuang Oil Chestnuts are protected under the national agricultural product geographic indication mark.
Zhangzhuang Oil Chestnuts are primarily distributed within the borders of Zhangzhuang Town and are produced in the original production area. The geographic coordinates are: 117°17'38”-117°22'28” East Longitude, 35°21'30”-35°22'50” North Latitude. The total production area is 200 hectares with an annual output of 0.6 million tons. The outer shell of the Zhangzhuang Oil Chestnut is oval-shaped, with medium density spines, a thin husk that splits in a cross shape. The fruit is medium-sized, with the largest weighing 19.2g and averaging 13.2g. Sensory characteristics: The fruit is high-oval shaped, with a purple-red skin that is richly lustrous, uniformly sized, and beautifully presented; the outer skin is easy to peel; the flesh is delicate, fragrant, sweet, and nutritious; physicochemical indicators: protein content in Zhangzhuang Oil Chestnuts ≥4.5%; moisture ≤48%; starch content ≥25%; calcium ≥18mg/100g, phosphorus ≥1.0×102mg/100g. The whole fruit of Zhangzhuang Oil Chestnuts is a treasure trove, as the leaves and bark can be used medicinally. The chestnut meat contains large amounts of starch and various vitamins, earning it the reputation as the “King of Dried Fruits.” It received protection as a geographical indication registered agricultural product by the Ministry of Agriculture in 2013.
The fruit is high-oval shaped, with a purple-red skin that is richly lustrous, uniformly sized, and beautifully presented; the outer skin is easy to peel; the flesh is delicate, fragrant, sweet, and nutritious. Physicochemical indicators: protein content in Zhangzhuang Oil Chestnuts >4.5%; moisture 25%; calcium and phosphorus contents are respectively ≥18mg/100g and 100mg/100g. Safety requirements: clearly specify the national mandatory technical standards and related laws and regulations governing market access for registered products. Follow the safety requirements of the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection, and Quarantine of the State.
Nutritional Value
1. Anti-Aging
The rich unsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals in chestnuts can prevent and treat hypertension, coronary heart disease, arteriosclerosis, osteoporosis, and other diseases. They are an excellent nourishing food for anti-aging and longevity.
2. Mouth Sores in Children
Chestnuts contain riboflavin, which is beneficial for persistent mouth sores in children and oral ulcers in adults.
3. Ideal Food for Seniors
Chestnuts are rich in vitamin C, which helps maintain healthy teeth, bones, blood vessels, and muscles. It can prevent and treat osteoporosis, soreness in the lower back and legs, joint pain, fatigue, and other conditions, delaying aging. It is an ideal health food for seniors.
4. Invigorating Qi and Strengthening Spleen
Chestnuts have a high carbohydrate content compared to other dried fruits, providing the body with a lot of energy and helping fat metabolism. They have the effect of invigorating qi and strengthening the spleen, as well as thickening and nourishing the stomach and intestines.
Product Features
The fruit is high-oval shaped, with a purple-red skin that is richly lustrous, uniformly sized, and beautifully presented; the outer skin is easy to peel; the flesh is delicate, fragrant, sweet, and nutritious.
Serving Suggestions
Lotus Root and Chestnut Sweet Soup
Ingredients: 600g lotus root, 15 chestnuts, 50g raisins
Condiments: appropriate amount of rock sugar
Steps:
1. Prepare all ingredients.
2. Wash the lotus root, cut into thick slices. Peel and remove the inner skin from the chestnuts and set aside.
3. Add water to the pot, add lotus root and chestnuts, bring to a boil, then simmer for 10 minutes over medium heat.
4. Switch to low heat and simmer for about 1 hour, add rock sugar and raisins, cook until the sugar dissolves.