Tag: Sweet chestnuts

According to a study conducted in Switzerland, horse chestnut poisoning can cause severe symptoms within 15–30 minutes of ingesting just one to four seeds. This highlights the serious and rapid side effects of eating horse chestnuts, which contain the poisonous compound aesculin. Unknowingly consuming this toxic nut can lead to significant health risks, emphasizing the importance of understanding the dangers involved.

According to research on Indian horse chestnut (a related species), the seeds contain a potassium content of 0.79%, indicating it is a significant source of this mineral. In contrast to common sweet chestnuts, horse chestnuts are generally not consumed directly due to the presence of toxins, so their potassium content is not a dietary concern for most people.

Compared to other nuts, chestnuts have a uniquely high starch and water content, which is why they are often compared to grains. The popular belief that chestnuts turn into sugar is rooted in a real, scientific process that occurs after harvest and during cooking.