Glossary of food terms: C

Chestnut

The fruit of the sweet chestnut tree (Castanea sativa) that is edible when cooked. Chestnuts can be simply roasted and eaten whole or they can be added to other dishes such as stuffings or casseroles. Chestnuts can also be dried and ground to make flour, which can be used with other flours to make cakes or pasta (chestnut flour contains no gluten).

The nuts can also be sweetened and made into a purée that can be used in a variety of desserts. Chestnuts make a good accompaniment to Brussels sprouts and are served with many winter dishes, especially poultry and game.

• Sprouts with pumpkin and chestnuts
• Braised chestnuts in red wine gravy