Chestnuts are different from other nuts. They are called the “UnNut” because they are nutritionally different than their tree-nut cousins. Chestnuts have a remarkable nutritional composition that sets them apart from other nuts and makes them an outstanding food source, which can be a dietary staple. The nuts are about 50% water when fresh, which makes them highly perishable. They contain complex carbohydrate, are very low in fat at about 1%, have reasonable quantities of vitamin C and potassium, are very low in sodium and are free of gluten, oil and cholesterol. The protein is high quality, and is easily assimilated by the human body. Chestnuts can be boiled, roasted or cooked in a microwave. Chestnuts are quite delicious when eaten by themselves, but they can be eaten with vegetables, used in stuffing and soups, and make marvelous gourmet desserts when added to ice cream or chocolate. Chestnuts are popular during the Thanksgiving and holiday seasons and thus fresh chestnuts are most widely available in the autumn and winter months. Canned and bottled peeled chestnuts are available year-round.