Italian Dried Chestnuts from Tuscany – Traditionally Wood-Dried

Traditional Italian Dried Chestnuts from Tuscany

Discover an authentic Tuscan specialty with Giannetti Artisans Italian Dried Chestnuts, harvested and traditionally wood-dried in the Garfagnana region near Lucca, Tuscany.

Unlike ready-to-eat roasted chestnuts or sweetened, candied chestnuts, these are fully dried chestnuts intended for cooking. They undergo a traditional preservation process that removes moisture and develops their distinctive flavor. They must be rehydrated and thoroughly cooked before eating and should never be consumed directly from the package.

The Traditional Tuscan Metato Drying Process

For generations, chestnuts have been an important part of Tuscan mountain cuisine. Before modern refrigeration, local communities preserved their autumn harvest using a traditional stone drying house known as a metato or seccatoio.

Our chestnuts are carefully selected and slowly dried over a gently smoldering wood fire for approximately 40 days, at a controlled temperature of around 86°F (30°C).

This traditional wood-fired drying process, sometimes described as roasting and drying, gradually removes moisture while concentrating the chestnuts’ naturally sweet, earthy flavor and imparting subtle smoky notes.

Following the drying process, the chestnuts are selected and packed for culinary use. They contain no added sugar, preservatives, or artificial ingredients.

How to Prepare & Enjoy Tuscan Dried Chestnuts

IMPORTANT: THESE CHESTNUTS ARE NOT READY TO EAT. SOAK AND COOK THOROUGHLY BEFORE CONSUMING.

Because these chestnuts have been preserved through prolonged drying, they are firm and dehydrated. They require rehydration and cooking to become tender and suitable for eating.

Soak the chestnuts in water to soften them, then simmer in fresh water or milk until completely tender. Cooking times vary depending on the chestnuts and the length of soaking.

Once prepared, they are delicious in hearty winter soups, traditional Tuscan stews, savory stuffing, and rustic desserts. They can also be incorporated into sweet recipes with rum, chocolate, or warm spices.

Origin: Garfagnana, Lucca, Tuscany, Italy
Type: Traditionally Wood-Dried Chestnuts for Cooking
Flavor: Naturally Sweet, Earthy & Lightly Smoky
Preparation: Must Be Soaked and Thoroughly Cooked Before Eating
Ingredients: 100% Italian Chestnuts

Love Tuscan chestnuts? Discover our Giannetti Artisans Chestnut Flour, produced from traditionally dried chestnuts and ideal for authentic Italian baking.

This is a seasonal product, and availability may be limited throughout the year.