Chestnut cream

Production area

Auvergne - Rhône-Alpes

Although chestnut cream has only been around for a little over a hundred years, it is an iconic product among foodies, symbolizing the love story between a region and its produce.

What you need to know

Crème de marrons (chestnut cream) was invented in the department of Ardèche in 1885, by a manufacturer who was trying to find a use for the pieces of sweet chestnuts broken during the production of candied chestnuts. It is made from fresh, peeled sweet chestnuts, cooked and reduced to a puree to which sugar, candied syrup and vanilla are added. Some versions can contain pieces of candied chestnut. At least 38% of the product must be sweet chestnuts.

With half the national crop, Ardèche produces moresweet chestnuts than any other department in France, ahead of Aveyron, Dordogne, Corrèze, Lot and Corsica. The Ardèche chestnut was awarded an AOC (Controlled Designation of Origin) label in 2006 and a PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) label in 2014, to protect the fruits of local old species. Sweet chestnut trees have always grown in Ardèche and have been cultivated there since the 13th century.

Characteristics

Look

Creamy, light brown paste.

Taste

Aromas of sweet potato, brioche and honey.

Nutritional benefits

Sweet chestnuts are very low in fat, cholesterol and sodium. They are very rich in manganese. This spread is very sweet, so should not be eaten too often, but it is perfect before exercise as it releases its energy gradually.

Editor's note

« Why do we say crème de marrons (horse chestnuts) when the cream is made from châtaignes (sweet chestnuts)? This is because the sweet chestnut tree actually produces two types of fruit. When the brown husk contains two nuts, these are called "châtaignes". When it only contains one, the fruit are called "marrons". The "marron" is used rather than the "châtaigne" because it responds better to cooking. It should not be confused with the fruit of the horse chestnut tree, which is toxic. »