Winter is the time to go nuts!
Winter is a fabulous season because we get to enjoy all the good things harvested in Autumn – nuts being no exception. In the stores now we have this season’s chestnuts, walnuts and hazelnuts. Here are some reasons why you should go nuts in winter!
In season right now and over the winter months are chestnuts, walnuts and hazelnuts. Here are a few reasons why you should be eating them right now. Of course, if you or those you cook for have a nut allergy, please steer clear!
1 They Taste Better
It makes a huge difference to shell and enjoy fresh nuts as close as possible to when they are harvested – they’re sweeter and there’s no chance of them being bitter, or worse still, rancid, as packaged nuts can unfortunately be sometimes.
Waluts and hazelnuts can be eaten raw and straight from the shell. Not so chestnuts – they need to be roasted first to access their delectable flesh and are a wonderful winter treat served hot. Read all about how to roast chestnuts here – including how to stop them from exploding!
2 They are really good for you!
Nuts of all sorts are naturally healthy, containing monounsaturated fats, omega-3, fibre and vitamin E. They are excellent as a snack and as an ingredient in everything from cakes to salads. Walnuts are particularly known for their health benefits. They’re rich in omega-3 fatty acids, just like salmon. Eating walnuts has been demonstrated to support brain function and even reduce symptoms of depression.
Chestnuts are a good source on antioxidants, being rich in gallic acid and ellagic acid—two antioxidants that actually increase in concentration when cooked. These, as well as magnesium and potassium, help reduce your risk of heart disease or stroke.
Hazelnuts are also rich in antioxidants including Vitamin E, protective against cell damage linked to cancer, as well as heart disease. They also help decrease cholesterol and improve insulin sensitivity.
3. They’re versatile and easy to include in your diet
Walnuts and hazelnuts are versatile and easy to include in your diet every day. But because they are dense in calories, one handful (about a third of a cup) is the recommended daily intake.
Here’s how to incorporate them into your day:
- Chop and scatter them on your muesli or over a bowl of warm, nourishing rolled oats.
- Sprinkle them chopped over your salads or pasta for extra crunch.
- Pack them in a small container for a healthier afternoon snack.
- Pair them with roast vegetables – chopped hazelnuts or walnuts on roasted carrots, braised cabbage or poached asparagus are delicious.
Try our selection savoury dishes which include walnuts or hazelnuts.
Chestnuts are a little more involved to prepare are they need to be roasted or first – then just enjoy them peeled and warm with a little sea salt. If you don’t want to roast them, chestnuts can be boiled for 15 minutes (make sure you cut the shell as described here), peel them when still warm, chop or puree them and use them in soups, salads, pasta, pastries and desserts. Chestnuts pair well with cabbage, bacon, Brussels sprouts, mushrooms, quail, sausages, brandy, sugar, chocolate, vanilla, rum, coffee, cream, red wine and port.
4. They’re brilliant to bake with, especially if you are gluten-free
Nut flours are a great alternative to wheat flour when cooking for someone with a gluten intolerance or allergy. Hazelnut flour and ground walnuts are delicious in cakes and impart a wonderful flavour and consistency which pairs brilliantly with chocolate, coffee, pears, honey, cream and soft cheeses. Chestnut flour can also be used as a substitute for wheat flour in baking.
Try these delicious nutty ideas from Hill Street’s recipe collection:
Chocolate Hazelnut Drizzle Brownies
Gluten-free No-bake Raw Blueberry Cake
Gluten-free Marbled Chocolate Meringues with Choc-hazelnut Cream
