Q&A for How to Roast Chestnuts

As nuts go, they don't keep very long, and mold is a real problem with chestnuts. Fresh, unshelled chestnuts last about a week in the pantry, up to a month if you store them in a perforated bag in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator, or four months if you freeze them in an airtight container. Cooked, peeled chestnuts must be used within a few days, or they can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 9 months. It doesn't matter if they're chopped, pureed or whole.

Preheat the oven to 400ºF (200ºC). Then continue to roast at this temperature. See the article's steps for more details.

Try putting them in between two hardy plates; and push the two plates together; then turn one of the plates over so and hold the ends of the two plates and shake a bunch.

No! These types of chestnuts contain a poisonous compound. Do not eat horse chestnuts!

Broil them at 400F for 20 minutes. I've been doing this for years, they turn out great.

Definitely! Just pop the pan in the oven and heat 'em up till 400 degrees.

Place the cooked chestnuts into a tea towel and wrap them up. Let them cool for 5 to 10 minutes, then roll the chestnuts around in the tea towel for a minute to loosen the skins, and peel them immediately.

When they turn brown and hit the ground, they are ready to eat. If you intend to harvest your own, be sure you have permission from the tree's owner. Be very careful with the spiny shell; it is brutal on fingers, so wear puncture-resistant gloves. I find a set of long-handle adjustable pliers and a pocket knife with a short, strong, sharp blade indispensable.

They only last a few days in the refrigerator. If you want them to last longer, you can wrap them in foil so that they are air tight and put them in the freezer. They should last for several months this way.

There are 145 calories per serving.

Yes, as long as they are not rotten.

A serving of shelled, coked chestnuts is 1 cup, which is about 300 calories.

Yes. Put them in the oven at 400 degrees F for less time, such as 5 to 7 minutes. This should be just enough time to warm them up and toast the skins.

Many grocery stores carry them around the holidays.

Yes, as long as you use them within 1 year of freezing them.

Yes. Some people just prefer the taste of roasted chestnuts.