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Simply so, do you have to soak chestnuts before roasting?

You're going to touch the shell to peel them when you eat them, so be sure to wash them properly before cooking! Some people recommend soaking your chestnuts before roasting them, which allows the meat inside to steam. I haven't found that soaking makes a big difference though, but feel free to try it out.

how do you use chestnuts? Chestnuts are great for snacking on, adding to salads, or mixing into stuffing with cranberries or apples. You can braise them with meat, or saute with garlic and vegetables. They can be used to make a wonderful winter soup, or chopped and stirred into a warm risotto… but the possibilities don't stop there.

In this manner, how do you cook chestnuts so they peel easily?

Wrap the roasted or steamed chestnuts in a clean kitchen towel to keep them warm—it will make them easier to peel. As soon as they are cool enough to handle, grab a seat and get to peeling. Pull and snap off the shells, being sure to also take off the skin between the shell and the chestnut.

Can you eat raw chestnuts?

You can eat them raw, but they may cause gastrointestinal distress due to the high content of tannic acid. They're almost impossible to peel without softening the shell first, and they taste much better cooked. However, if you must try a raw chestnut, here's how to peel one.