How to Preserve Chestnuts
- 1). Remove the green fuzzy shell around the nut and place them in a bowl. This outer shell should pull off easily. Look at each chestnut to make sure the nut has a shiny, blemish-free exterior.
- 2). Place the chestnuts on a tray so that they get good air circulation. Allow the chestnuts to dry at room temperature between 65 and 75 degrees for two days. Throw away any nuts that develop mold.
- 3). Store dried chestnuts in sealed containers and leave the inner shell intact until you eat the nuts. The nuts should keep at room temperature for several months.
- 4). Roast the chestnuts until they are golden brown after drying if you plan on freezing the nuts for long periods of time. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and use a sharp knife to make a small slit in each inner shell. Place the chestnuts on a baking tray and roast for 20 minutes. Allow the chestnuts cool down completely, then remove the inner shell. Place the chestnuts in sealed containers and store them in the freezer.
- 5). Give some of your chestnuts away as gifts and store the rest for yourself, family and friends.
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