Roast Chestnuts Day
About Roast Chestnuts Day
When is Roast Chestnuts Day? This holiday is always observed on December 14
Today is Roast Chestnuts Day, a December 14 holiday. Aren’t you excited!? Every Christmas holiday we all sing about “Chestnuts roasting on an open fire….” But, have you ever roasted chestnuts!? It may surprise you to know that some people have never even tasted a chestnut. How unfortunate for them!! Don’t you think it’s time you gave them a try!? For those new to this healthy and nutritious nut, use this holiday to enjoy your first chestnuts. Simply roast some chestnuts today. Without a doubt, you will be glad that you did.
If you’ve never roasted them during the holidays before, then you can start a new holiday tradition. Roast them in the early evening, so they will be done in time for an evening snack. They go great with a cup of hot chocolate by the fireside.
With the holidays rapidly approaching, take a few minutes to roast chestnuts. Make sure to roast enough to share with family, co-workers, and friends. You can even wrap some up and include them in gift baskets.
How to Roast Chestnuts
Here are the simple steps to roasting chestnuts:
- First, rinse them in cold water.
- Next, score them with a sharp knife.
- Then, soak them in water for one to two hours.
- Pre-heat the oven at 350°F.
- While the oven is heating, place the nuts on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Bake them in the oven for about 30 minutes, occasionally turning them.
- The chestnuts are done when the shells crack open.
- Lastly, peel them while they are still hot, removing the outer shell and the thin inner skin.
Note: You may need to use a towel when handling hot nuts.
Chestnut Trivia and Fun Facts
Here are some interesting chestnut trivia and fun facts to peruse as you munch on a handful of roasted chestnuts:
- Many cultures consider chestnuts a sign of fertility, prosperity, and good fortune. Technically, they are not nuts. Rather, they are fruit.
- You can boil, puree, roast, and even grind them into flour.
- A chestnut tree can live several hundred years.
- The wood from chestnut trees is good for woodworking and making furniture. It is strong yet lightweight. Also, it takes stains and finishes well.
- China is by far the worldwide leader. They annually produce over 1.7 million tons of chestnuts. That’s over 73% of worldwide production. Comparatively, the United States accounts for about 1% of worldwide production.
- A 100-gram serving of nutritious chestnuts contains approximately 245 calories and 53 carbs.
- They contain no cholesterol.
- You can munch on a handful or two of chestnuts knowing that they are good for your health. They have many health benefits. For example, they improve heart health and digestive health. They also help to control blood sugar.
- Chestnuts are used in medicine and home remedies, too. They are high in antioxidants.
How to Celebrate Roast Chestnuts Day
This is an easy holiday to celebrate. Here are some ideas for you:
- Roast chestnuts. It’s okay if you don’t have an open fireplace. You can roast them in the oven.
- If you are pressed for time, you don’t have to roast them yourself. Rather, buy a package of roasted chestnuts from your local grocer. You can also order them online.
- Have them as a snack tonight.
- Bring them to work to share with co-workers. They will be especially well received it if you roast them at home.
Today's Quote
“Improving yourself is a lot more profitable, than trying to improve others.” – – Dale Carnegie
History and Origin of Roast Chestnuts Day
Bob Matthews, owner of Holiday Insights created this new and very special day in 2015. It certainly seemed that an essential holiday event was missing from the busy holiday calendar. Chestnuts are among the many traditional symbols of the holiday season. And, we sing about them. So, it only makes sense to have a special day to recognize the value of healthy and nutritious chestnuts in our lives.
The date to celebrate Roast Chestnuts Day was selected to coincide with the beginning of the “Twelve Days of Christmas”. This date was also selected just before we all get totally engrossed (and more than a little stressed out) with all the activities of the holiday season.
In a recent review, we found a website referring to this as a “National” day. As the creator of this day, it IS NOT national day.
This Day in History
In addition to Roast Chestnuts Day, here are some things that happened on this day:
- Princess Mary Stuart, upon the death of her father James V, becomes Queen Mary I of Scotland at just 6 days old. (1542)
- Jimmy Dean’s “Big Bad John” is the first country song to get a gold record. (1961)
- Astrologer Nostradamus was born on this day in 1503.
Related Holidays
Certainly, there are a lot of nutty days. People who like Roast Chestnuts Day will also like:
More December 14 Holidays
Additionally, here are more December 14 holidays and events we’re sure you will enjoy:
More About Today
This Day in History – Indeed, many other important events occurred on this date.
Famous December Birthdays – Did you ever wonder what famous people share your birth date? If so, then find out now!
Recipe of the Day: Oven Roasted Chestnuts
Ecards – Send a free Ecard daily for Roast Chestnuts Day or just about any December calendar holiday, occasion, observance, or event. Undoubtedly, it’s fun for both the sender and the recipient.
Holiday Insights, where every day in December is a holiday, a bizarre or wacky day, an observance, or a special event. Therefore, please join us in the daily calendar fun each and every day of the year.
Did You Know? Furthermore, in addition to Roast Chestnuts Day, there are literally thousands of daily holidays, special events, and observances, more than one for every day of the year. and many of these holidays are new. People and organizations are creating new holidays regularly. December holidays are no exception. Consequently., at Holiday Insights, we take great efforts to thoroughly research and document the details of each one, as completely and accurately as possible.