In a similar way the U.S. turns everything into pumpkin in fall, Japan turns everything into chestnuts. I first noticed when we went to the sumo tournament in Tokyo a couple weekends ago. I ordered one of the seasonal desserts and it came filled with a creamed chestnut filling. It was very sweet.
It was the following day, we came upon a chestnut tree during our walk through Zushi.
It was then I began noticing chestnuts everywhere. From the grocery store to window displays, chestnut is the obvious seasonal flavor.
On our field trip Saturday, there was a chestnut grove on the farm we visited.
After seeing so much chestnut, and only tasting one, it was time for me to do a little research. I purchased a bag at the ¥100 store, assuming the would taste terrible and I would through them away and only lose ¥100 – $1.00. The friend I was shopping with described them as being similar to boiled peanuts.
I also decided a glass of wine was necessary for the research experiment.
Hmmmm… interesting?!?
Actually, they weren’t terrible. The wine was a nice touch to wash them down. Perhaps a Cabernet instead of my Pinot Grigio. Also, they were really sweet. Is it just me, but shouldn’t nuts be salty? Haha. I did add a shake of salt and suddenly they tasted even better. Overall I would score them as not bad and not necessary to purchase again.
P.S. For those who have heard my “Chet’s nuts joke,” we have appropriately taken to calling them “Chet’s nuts.” Giggle giggle.