FRESH chestnuts are in the shops from autumn until January and there are so many ways to enjoy the succulent nuts there is no reason why you shouldn’t be eating them now.

Chestnuts are a guilt-free treat which have less fat than other nuts and only 40 calories per 25g/1oz. You can’t eat them raw though. They always need cooking.

Unlike other nuts their shells go dull and mouldy after about a week so only buy as many as you need.

To get the best flavour from chestnuts roast them on an open fire. Split the shells to stop them from exploding then put them on a shovel and slide them into hot ashes for about 30 minutes. Then pick off the shells and enjoy. You can also do the same in an oven. Try roasting them at 230C/Gas 9 for about 30-45 minutes.

To prepare fresh chestnuts remove the brown shells, then the wrinkly bitter skin; this is easier if you quickly roast or boil the nuts beforehand. Chestnuts also come pre-packed in supermarkets, which avoids all the fuss.

Why not take advantage of this seasonal treat with our selection of tasty chestnut recipes courtesy of the Vegetarian Society. Come back later for the first...