01
KEEP THEM COLD
Keep chestnuts refrigerated during storage and display. Do not leave them at room temperature for extended periods.
Recommended storage temperature: 33–36°F.
Keep Them Fresh
Storage & Handling
Thank you for purchasing our locally grown Ozark chestnuts. Fresh chestnuts are over 50% water when they fall from the tree. Cold storage helps maintain freshness for your customers.
REFRIGERATE UPON DELIVERY
Keep your chestnuts cold. Do not freeze.
02
LET THEM BREATHE
Fresh chestnuts in the shell can keep for several months in ideal conditions: moist, but able to breathe.
Store them in semi-permeable containers or perforated plastic bags.
A sealed plastic bag or container can cause the nuts to mold from excess humidity. A bag that is wide open to the air allows the nuts to dry out more quickly, shortening their shelf life.
03
CHECK INVENTORY REGULARLY
Inspect chestnuts routinely for unusual softness, leaking, or other signs of spoilage. Remove those nuts promptly.
The lighter-colored, rounded shape at the base of each chestnut is called the hilum. Superficial spotting or mold on the hilum is common and does not necessarily mean the nut itself is bad. When in doubt, check the inside.
Rotate stock so older inventory is sold first. Keep storage areas and containers clean.
04
HANDLE GENTLY
Avoid dropping, crushing, or rough handling that can crack shells or damage nuts.
Keep chestnuts away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Minimize temperature changes that can cause condensation.
05
HELP CUSTOMERS STORE THEM PROPERLY
Recommend that customers refrigerate chestnuts promptly after purchase.
Keep them in a ventilated bag in the refrigerator. For example, poke a few small holes in a Ziploc bag to allow air circulation.
A Simple Rule to Remember
Keep chestnuts cold, allow air circulation, and check them regularly. Proper storage helps protect the quality of your chestnuts.
From Our Farm to Your Table
Roasting Chestnuts
Roasting chestnuts at home is a wonderful way to enjoy their naturally sweet, rich flavor. Follow these steps to prepare your chestnuts for roasting and peeling.
1
Gather Your Tools
You'll need a baking sheet (your roasting pan), a kitchen towel, a cutting board, and a scoring knife to get started.
A paring knife or even a serrated knife can work for scoring nuts, but we prefer a dedicated scoring tool. Search online retailers for "chestnut scoring tool."
2
Score the Chestnuts
Before roasting, slit each nut by creating an "X" on the rounded side. Cut through the hard outer shell without cutting deeply into the nut meat.
Some people prefer cutting once across the shell and slightly into the nut meat for easier peeling. If you have cutting gloves, wear them!
Why Scoring Is Essential
A sealed chestnut shell retains moisture. As the nut heats up, moisture inside turns to steam, building pressure. Without an escape route, a chestnut can explode during roasting. Scoring creates a vent that allows steam to escape safely and also makes peeling easier.
3
Soak the Scored Nuts
Soaking scored chestnuts in a bowl of water overnight (around 10 hours, though we've soaked ours for less) allows moisture to enter the incision.
This can help loosen the skin surrounding the nut, called the pellicle, making peeling easier.
Short on time? Alternatively, boil the chestnuts before roasting. A quick boil of around 1–2 minutes should be sufficient.
4
Roast the Chestnuts
An oven is a perfectly suitable alternative to an open fire for roasting chestnuts.
OPTION 1: Traditional Oven Roasting
425°F 15–20 minutes
Place the chestnuts on a baking sheet with the scored side facing up.
OPTION 2: Lower-Temperature Roasting
240°F 60 minutes or more
Roasting at a lower temperature for a longer period can help break down the chestnuts and develop fuller flavors.
5
Steam and Peel!
After roasting, wrap the chestnuts in a damp kitchen towel for 10–15 minutes. The steam helps further separate the shell from the nut meat.
Peel immediately. The shells can tighten if you wait too long.
Good Chestnuts Are Worth the Wait
With proper storage and a little preparation, you can enjoy the wonderful flavor of fresh, locally grown Ozark chestnuts right at home.