Frequently Asked Questions
📖 Usage Guide: How to make the most of your Fresh Castañas del Bierzo
The Pleasure of Fresh Castañas del Bierzo 🌰
The fresh chestnuts from El Bierzo they are much more than an autumn fruit: they are part of the gastronomic and cultural identity of the region. Their sweet flavour, floury texture, and versatility in the kitchen make them a true seasonal treasure. Here is a practical guide to enjoy them to the fullest, from purchase to table.
1. How to choose good chestnuts
Weight and firmness: they should feel heavy for their size.
Shiny, hard shell: avoid those with cracks, stains, or holes.
Sound: when shaken, they should not 'dance' inside.
2. Correct storage
Fresh: store them in the fridge, inside a paper or mesh bag, for up to 1–2 weeks.
Freezing: peel them (or make a cut) and freeze them; they keep for several months.
Traditional drying: less common today, but ideal for long-term uses (flours and stews).
3. Classic preparations (and how to do them well)
🔥 Roasted (the tradition)
Make a cut in the shell.
Roast at 200 °C for 20–25 minutes or in a perforated pan.
Wrap them in a cloth for 5 minutes before peeling.
Bercian tip: pair them with a young wine from Bierzo for a complete experience.
💧 Boiled
Boil them for 15–20 minutes with a pinch of salt and a bay leaf.
Ideal as a base for purées, fillings, or desserts.
🍳 In daily cooking
Savory: in stews, with mushrooms, in poultry fillings, or as a side dish.
Sweets: creams, cakes, chestnuts in syrup or with chocolate.
4. Nutritional benefits
Rich in complex carbohydrates (sustained energy).
Source of fibre, potassium and B vitamins.
Naturally gluten-free, suitable for special diets.
5. When to enjoy them
Optimal season: October to December.
In Bierzo, the harvest coincides with the most colourful autumn, when the chestnut groves are at their peak.
6. A pleasure with history
For centuries, the chestnut was a staple food in the rural areas of Bierzo. Today it remains a symbol of seasonal cooking, sustainability, and a connection to the land.
Fresh chestnuts from Bierzo 🌰
Authentic flavour. Natural origin. Autumn experience.
Why choose chestnuts from Bierzo?
Because the chestnuts from Bierzo offer a perfect balance of sweetness, texture, and quality. They come from traditional groves and represent a local, natural, and seasonal product, highly valued by both consumers and culinary professionals.
When are they available?
Their natural season is from October to December., when they reach their best flavour and freshness. Consuming them during this period guarantees an authentic experience of the highest quality.
How can I store them at home?
Very easy:
Inthe fridge, inside a paper or mesh bag, they stay fresh for up to two weeks.
Frozen, they retain all their properties for months.
How are they best enjoyed?
They are extremely versatile:
Roasted, the classic must-have of autumn.
Boiled or sautéed, ideal for savoury dishes.
In sweet recipes, creams, cakes and gourmet preparations.
Are they a healthy product?
Yes. Chestnuts are natural, gluten-free, rich in energy, fibre and minerals. A perfect option for a balanced and conscious diet.
What is a magosto and why experience it?
The magosto is a traditional celebration around roasted chestnuts. Participating in one is to enjoy gastronomy, culture and local community in its most authentic form.
Why choose locally sourced chestnuts?
Choosing chestnuts from Bierzo means:
🌱 Supporting the rural economy
🌳 Contributing to the care of the landscape and woodlands
🍂 Enjoying a product that is sustainable and local
Are they suitable for hospitality and rural tourism?
Absolutely. The chestnuts from Bierzo provide added value, territorial identity and differentiation in menus, rural breakfasts, gastronomic experiences and autumn events.