The chestnut of Ardèche

Chestnuts are everywhere in Ardèche! From cakes to pancakes, through puree or cookies, for centuries, it has been found in many local sweet and savory specialties. A pretty fruit with good nutritional values, often confused with the inedible chestnut, the chestnut is part of the culinary landscape of the Ardèche..

Short history of the Ardèche chestnut

The chestnut tree has been growing naturally in the Ardèche for millions of years. But it is only from the 9th century that the chestnut tree is cultivated, first by the Benedictine monks of the Vivarais until the 12th century, then by the Ardèche farmers in the south of the Vivarais who used the first grafting techniques. The culture continues to reach its peak in the middle of the 19th century. The chestnut tree is then "the breadfruit tree", so much its output allows to feed the Ardèche people. But with the social and industrial changes at the end of the 19th century, production declined. It was not until the 1960's that chestnut growing began to flourish again. Today, the Ardèche produces half of the French production of chestnuts, so it's good to pick up chestnuts!

The Ardèche chestnut, protected designation of origin

Since 2014, the 65 varieties of chestnuts from Ardèche have their protected designation of origin, obtained 8 years after the AOC. Are protected the fresh chestnut but also the dry chestnut and chestnut flour. This appellation concerns a large part of the department, along the Monts d'Ardèche Regional Natural Park. It ensures the quality of the chestnuts, guaranteed without chemical fertilization and their traceability.
Some specialties based on Ardèche chestnuts
During your camping trip in Ardèche, you will have the opportunity to taste many products based on chestnuts, mostly preserved in jars. You can of course eat them alone, whole and peeled.

Chestnut soups and desserts

You may have the opportunity to taste dried chestnuts or chestnut soup, for example in a gourmet restaurant. It is found for example in rice pudding, tiramisu or other desserts.

Candied chestnuts

The most greedy will turn to the marrons glacés and the chestnut cream. The 2 recipes use chestnuts, the real chestnuts not being edible, we should besides baptize it cream of chestnut. Sweet or savory flavor, in confectionery or in dessert with a touch of vanilla or pears, we configure the chestnut as we want in Ardèche gourmet and it is a treat, even in drinks!

Chestnut liqueur

You will find the chestnut liqueur in the castagnou, a typical aperitif of the region: one third liqueur, 2 thirds white wine of Ardeche. While quietly tasting a castagnou on the terrace of an authentic gîte, or in our restaurant in the Ardèche you will understand what makes the Ardèche so unique.