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Everything you need to know about the chestnut, the treasure of autumn
The chestnut, a symbol of autumn, synonymous with indulgence and tradition. From harvesting to their transformation into artisanal products, these rustic fruits deserve our full attention. At La Vertueuse, we highlight them in the creation of our chestnut liqueur. Let’s dive into their story, from harvest to table.
Chestnut harvesting, a skill as old as time
The chestnut harvest begins at the end of summer, when the burrs fall from the trees, revealing their tender fruits.
Chestnut trees, present for centuries in the forests of Ardèche, are robust and generous trees.
GAEC de Samarie, our AOP Organic partner producer based in Ardèche, carefully harvests the chestnuts by hand each year, respecting both nature and tradition. Each fruit is meticulously selected to guarantee authentic flavours.
The peeling process, a true artisanal craft
Once harvested, chestnuts must be carefully prepared before being used in cooking (or transformed into liqueur in our case!).
This is where La Ferme des Châtaigniers comes in, a family-run business specialised in peeling chestnuts. They are peeled by hand, preserving 100% of their flavour and quality!
The benefits of chestnuts
They are not only delicious, but also nutritious. A source of fibre, minerals and vitamins, chestnuts are ideal for a balanced diet. Naturally gluten-free, they can be used in many recipes, both savoury and sweet.
A few quick ideas for using our chestnut liqueur
Would you like to highlight chestnuts in your cooking or during an aperitif? Here are a few ideas to try:
- Châtaigne Royale : replace the traditional kir royal by using 2 cl of chestnut liqueur with champagne or a good crémant. A simple and festive cocktail with an autumnal touch.
- Pumpkin velouté with chestnut liqueur : add a splash of chestnut liqueur to your velouté just before serving. The sweetness of the liqueur balances the earthy flavour of the pumpkin and adds roundness to the dish.
- Tiramisu with chestnut liqueur : soak the biscuits with a mixture of coffee and chestnut liqueur. The sweetness and woody aroma of our liqueur pair perfectly with mascarpone cream.
Whether in liqueur, dessert or cooking, the chestnut is a surprising fruit!
Stay tuned: the new batch of our chestnut liqueur is coming soon to La Vertueuse.
It will still be available in 50 cl and 70 cl.