Chestnut Puree

What Is Chestnut Purée?

Chestnut purée is a smooth, thick-consistency product made by mashing boiled, peeled chestnuts. In French cuisine there are two main types: "purée de marrons" (unsweetened, suited to savory recipes) and "crème de marrons" (sweetened, suited to sweet recipes).

Its color is light brown, its smell is a sweetish, earthy chestnut aroma; its best-known use is the Mont Blanc dessert, in which it is piped into thin strands and served with whipped cream.

Nutritional Value of Chestnut Purée

100 grams of sweetened chestnut purée contains about 250 kcal of energy; it carries carbohydrate from the chestnut and additional sweetness from added sugar. Values vary between the sweetened/unsweetened types and are approximate.

How Should Chestnut Purée Be Consumed?

Chestnut purée is consumed as part of a balanced diet, in moderate amounts; it is recommended to pay attention to the high sugar content of the sweetened types.

This information is general; chestnut purée is a food, not a substitute for medical treatment.

How to Choose Chestnut Purée?

A good chestnut purée is one with a light brown color, a smooth-thick consistency, and a label that clearly states whether it is sweetened or unsweetened.

• The label should clearly state "sweetened (crème)" or "unsweetened (purée)"
• The consistency should be smooth-thick, not watery-separated
• The color should be light brown, not darkened

How to Store Chestnut Purée?

Unopened chestnut purée can be stored at room temperature until the date on the package; once opened, it is recommended to be consumed within a few days from the refrigerator.

Using Chestnut Purée in the Kitchen

Chestnut purée is most often used in Mont Blanc dessert, as a filling in cakes and tarts, and the unsweetened type as a thickener in soups and stews.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can chestnut purée be made at home?

Yes; after chestnuts are boiled and peeled, they can be blended or passed through a sieve to reach a smooth consistency, with sugar added if desired.

Are chestnut purée and marron glacé the same thing?

No; marron glacé is a separate confection made by repeatedly boiling whole chestnuts in syrup and coating them with sugar. Chestnut purée, on the other hand, is a mashed product.

Is chestnut purée found in Turkey?

It can be found in gourmet markets and shops selling pastry supplies, especially during the autumn-winter months.