Ingredient Name: Peanuts, ground nuts, or earthnuts
Traditional Chinese Name: 花生 (huā shēng)
What is this?
Peanuts are part of the bean family
The plants grow no taller than 1.6 feet in height and produce a legume which contains seeds in it
It is during cultivation that the plant has turned downwards and put the fruit on the ground where it matures and turns into the peanuts that we see commercially
The Chinese consume peanuts widely and are the world’s largest producer of peanuts
It is commonly found in soups, dishes, and desserts
How do I prepare it?
Rinse with warm water before using in soup
You can use raw peanuts as well as cooked peanuts for soups
Where can I buy this?
Peanuts can be found in all supermarkets and even snacks
It is best to purchase unprocessed peanuts (unsalted) for soup usage
What is the cost?
Peanuts are very affordable. A bag of peanuts can cost $3-5 CAD
Any benefits?
Peanuts have a high source of nutrients with over 30 essential nutrients
They are high in protein and energy and have a high content of unsaturated “good” fats
Excellent for brain health and circulation and blood flow
Peanuts also contain a high amount of anti-oxidants that help slow down the process of aging
Any precautions?
Peanut allergies are relatively common so consume when you’re sure no allergies are present
Boiled peanuts have a lower risk of causing an allergic reaction over roasting (as some studies have shown)
The chestnut is the fruit produce of the chestnut tree
The chestnut is actually the combined flowers which ultimately grow completely together to make the brown husk that covers the fruit
The raw fruit actually contains burrs and each burr can contain 1-7 nuts within it
The chestnut is round and has a pointy end
It also contains two skins: One hard outer layer and one softer and thinner layer that surround the fruit
Chestnuts, when cooked taste nutty and sweet
How do I prepare it?
Chestnuts bought with the peel must be shelled and peeled prior to eating
You can boil fresh chestnuts in hot water, drain and immediately peel (while its still hot, the skin should fall off)
Where can I buy this?
Fresh chestnuts are available at most supermarkets and are usually sold in bulk
You can also purchase pre-peeled and pre-cooked chestnuts that are packaged
Look for firm, heavy chestnuts with dark shiny shells
What is the cost?
Fresh unpeeled, raw chestnuts cost around $1.49 CAD per pound
Any substitutes?
Peanuts are an ideal substitute (although be weary of allergies), but they are not as sweet
Walnuts are also another ideal substitute
Any benefits?
Chestnuts have no cholesterol, contains very little fat and are low in sodium
They are the only nuts that have traces of Vitamin C
Chestnuts have considerably lower calories than most nuts (walnuts, almonds) and dried fruit
Fresh chestnuts have very high water content (around 52%)
Chestnuts are considered a tonic for muscles, nerves and the veinous system
They are anti-anemic, antiseptic and stomachic
Any precautions?
Chestnuts tend to lose their water content over time, so some chestnuts will be very shriveled and dried when opened
Over consumption will result in a form of “wet” heatiness of the stomach which will lead to stomach pains – this is especially true for roasted chestnuts rather than boiled soup chestnuts
Additional Information?
Unpeeled chestnuts can be stored in a cool, dry place for one week or can be refrigerated for up to a month. Frozen chestnuts will keep for up to six months
