How to peel chestnuts?
The chestnuts on an open fire question reminded me: Is there a trick to peeling chestnuts easily? I always end up with bits of hairy skin stuck to the chestnuts (ick), and/or stuck under my fingernails (ouch). We usually roast them in the oven (after slitting them suitably, of course); is there a cooking method that results in easier peeling?
In case it matters, I'd want the chestnuts either for eating out of hand, or for making chestnut puree.
Best Answer
My experience has been that the freshest chestnuts can be peeled pretty easily if I do it while they're still hot (I usually roast them). This does mean that one's fingers can get burned, though! I wonder whether some of the recommended techniques for peeling garlic cloves would help with "sticky" chestnut-skins? [Choosing fresh chestnuts over moldy ones is a problem in itself; off to see if there's a question about that!]
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Quick Answer about "How to peel chestnuts?"
Wrap the roasted or steamed chestnuts in a clean kitchen towel to keep them warm—it will make them easier to peel. As soon as they are cool enough to handle, grab a seat and get to peeling. Pull and snap off the shells, being sure to also take off the skin between the shell and the chestnut.What is the easiest way to remove chestnut shells?
To peel fresh chestnuts, rinse, then make a nick in the skin on the flat side of each and simmer in a pan of water for 15 minutes or roast in the oven for 15 minutes. Then peel, taking care to remove both the outer shell (quite easy) as well as the inner brown membrane (trickier).How do you skin chestnuts easily?
You should have enough water to cover the chestnuts fully. Bring it to a boil. Place chestnuts into the boiling water and cook for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until the scored section opens up revealing the fuzzy skin on the inside.How to Peel Chestnuts Easily, Quickly, Safely!
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Answer 2
I have just shelled & peeled a kilo (forty ounces) of chestnuts in 20 mins using the following method. cross cut the chestnuts, six at a time. Microwave dry on full power for 30 secs. The outer shells and skin will then have opened out where cut. Squeeze the still hot nut between thumb & forefinger, this further loosened the inner skin. I then found that the shell & skin were easily removed and the kernel came out whole in one piece.
Ray Newall. North Wales.
Answer 3
I was told but I never tried, so try this at your own risk
Put the chestnuts in microwave (yes the whole chestnuts with outer skins) for 30 seconds. The skin should crack open and the hairy skin will come off nicely.
Please don't vote me down if this sounds stupid and I will remove this.
Answer 4
I tried the uncut in microwave 30 seconds...a few worked a few blew up...but what a laugh we had doing it...I’ve researched and tried anything you can name but I think the answer is much simpler than that, I buy my stuff at supermarket and I think it’s just they are not fresh enough...I’ve seen people scoring the chestnut with a sharp knife I’ve had to use a a sharp knife and a hammer..my skins are rock hard..I’ve read the best place to buy them is Chinese supermarkets..so I’ll try that next...good luck all..
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