Winter is also chestnut season: but the quality of these popular nuts is often poor. Almost every second of sweet chestnut is inedible, according to an audit by the Association for Consumer Information (VKI).
A total of 27 chestnut samples were purchased, prepared and tasted by the VKI in supermarkets and markets in Vienna. The sad result: almost every second sweet chestnut was inedible – regardless of whether the fruit was pre-packed or sold loose.
Nearly 30 products from various branches of Billa, Hofer, Lidl, Penny, Spar, but also Ajcan and Etsan were examined. Purchases were also made at markets in Vienna, both pre-packed 500 grams and loose goods.
“Unfortunately, almost every second of sweet chestnut turned out to be inedible,” summarizes VKI project manager Nina Eichberger. The quality was most comparable at Lidl and Hofer; the failure rate was significantly higher at Penny, Spar and the stores in Vienna. But not even every second fruit of the chestnuts offered at Ajcan, Billa and Etsan was edible.
At the same time, a sample was taken from eight chestnut stands in Vienna, Lower Austria and Styria. Conclusion: Although the sweet chestnuts there were more expensive than in the supermarket, they were superior in quality to the commercial products – the majority of the chestnuts tested came from Italy.
The quality of the sweet chestnuts is better
At least three quarters of the chestnuts bought at almost all stalls were edible and tasted fine. Some suppliers even advertised a ‘quality guarantee’, according to which you can return and exchange spoiled chestnuts.
There were clear price differences. The price per kilo of chestnuts at retailers and markets was between 3.49 and twelve euros. On average, this corresponds to a unit price between three and 19 cents. The chestnuts from the stall cost 30 to 40 cents each.
This way you can determine the freshness of chestnuts
Last tip from Eichberger: “There are two simple tests with which you can determine the freshness of chestnuts: you put them in a large pot with lukewarm water and sort the fruits that do not sink, or you do the pressure test: If you feel a hole, the chestnuts are no longer intact.”
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
