Chestnuts are a delicious autumn delicacy, but before we can eat the fruit, we first have to peel the chestnuts. Here's how it works very easily.
Peeling chestnuts: the preparation
Before you can peel the chestnuts, you should peel the sweet chestnut scratch crosswise. This makes it easier to loosen later and prevents the chestnut fruit from bursting inside.
Furthermore, it is recommended to cut the chestnuts in advance Soak in cold water for an hourso that the chestnuts can be peeled better later. Under the woody shell there is also a thin and furry layer, the so-called seed skin – it is usually particularly difficult to remove. We'll show you three options that make peeling chestnuts easier.
1. Peel chestnuts in the oven
Place the chestnuts on a baking sheet with parchment paper and put a heat-resistant bowl of water in the oven. The water ensures that they don't get so dry. Then you can roast the chestnuts at 180 degrees for about 25 minutes: The skin will burst open and you can then easily remove it.
2. Peel chestnuts on the stove
Alternatively, you can also cook the chestnuts. Heat them in a large saucepan on the stove for about 20 minutes, until the shell bursts. Then you can pour off the water and peel the chestnuts.
3. Peel chestnuts in the microwave
If you have to go very quickly, you can also put the chestnuts in a microwave-safe container and add a little water. Then you close the lid and cook the chestnuts for a minute in the microwave. You may have to repeat the process again afterwards. The chestnut peel is loosened by the steam.
Additional tips
- It is best to peel the chestnuts while they are still hot. When the skin has cooled down, it is more difficult to remove the skin.
- You can handle the warm chestnuts better if you use kitchen gloves and then peel off the peel with a short, sharp knife.
- Use a tea towel to help and rub the skin with it.
Acquired a taste? You will find many chestnut recipes with us, such as our chestnut soup. We also explain how you can prepare chestnuts.
Video tip: What is the difference between chestnuts and chestnuts?