Uncovering The Nutritional Value of Chestnuts with Landon Evans

As we sat down with Landon Evans of Texas Chestnuts, our conversation kept circling a simple truth: chestnut nutrition benefits are real, practical, and ready for everyday kitchens. Landon blends hands‑on farm life with a professional background in exercise physiology and nutrition. The result is a grounded, hopeful look at how chestnuts can support health, performance, and family‑friendly meals—without losing their heritage story.

Listen to the episode and find show notes on our Resources hub: unitedchestnuts.com/resources

Meet Landon Evans: From Exercise Physiology to Nutrition Practice

Landon’s path runs from lead exercise physiologist to emerging nutritionist. He understands what people need in gyms, clinics, and real life. Now, he’s building a private practice to help clients navigate food choices with clarity. Importantly, he keeps things simple. Fuel well. Move often. And choose foods that bring both energy and joy.

Texas Chestnuts: Family Roots in East Texas

Landon’s connection to chestnuts begins at home. His father, Ken Evans, has championed chestnut growing in East Texas for years. Their family’s dedication shows up in the orchard rows and in the kitchen. It also shows up in Landon’s voice—calm, curious, and determined to help more people discover how chestnuts fit modern health goals.

New to our grower network? Learn how EBB Farms models orchard + nursery best practices: unitedchestnuts.com/ebb-farms/

Why Chestnuts Are a Nutritional Powerhouse

Chestnuts are unlike most nuts. They’re higher in complex carbohydrates, naturally low in fat, and a source of fiber and vitamin C. That unusual profile makes them useful for athletes, active families, and anyone who wants steady energy without heaviness.

At a glance:

• Complex carbs for sustained energy
• Fiber to support digestion and fullness
• Vitamin C—rare in nuts—supporting immune health
• Minerals and antioxidants that round out a nutrient‑dense profile

Landon points out that these traits make chestnuts an easy swap in grain‑based dishes. They can reduce refined flour and add texture, flavor, and nutrition—without making meals feel “diet-y.”

Cooking with Chestnuts: Everyday, Not Just Holidays

You don’t need a holiday menu to enjoy chestnuts. Try these simple, versatile ideas:

• Roast + snack: scored and roasted, then tossed with a pinch of sea salt.
• Breakfast boost: chopped chestnuts in oatmeal or plain yogurt.
• Savory sides: blend into mashed potatoes or add to roasted veggies.
• Soups + stews: diced chestnuts add body without dairy or roux.
• Gluten‑free baking: chestnut flour lightens quick breads and pancakes.

To help shoppers, Landon emphasizes clear labeling and education. When people understand how chestnuts work in recipes, they buy with confidence. That creates better outcomes in the kitchen—and a stronger market for growers.

Health, Fitness, and the “Fuel That Feels Good” Test

Landon uses a practical filter with clients: Does this food help you feel good during and after activity? Chestnuts often pass with ease. They are:

• Gentle on digestion for pre‑workout fuel
• Satisfying without a heavy, oily feel
• Flexible across both sweet and savory dishes

Because chestnuts fit many dietary preferences, they can become a bridge food for families with mixed needs—athletes, kids, and grandparents at the same table.

Planting with Purpose: Food, Family, and Nature

Some of Landon’s favorite moments are outside with his daughters. Planting trees. Watching seasons unfold. Sharing harvests. It’s a reminder that chestnuts are more than a pantry item. They connect generations to land, food, and time. And that connection changes how we shop, cook, and eat.

Watch the Conversation

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Key Takeaways

• Chestnut nutrition benefits include complex carbs, fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants.
• Chestnuts are easy weeknight ingredients—not just holiday treats.
• Clear labels and cooking guidance help shoppers say “yes.”
• Food choices stick when they connect to family and place.

Try This: Your First Chestnut Meal Plan

• Breakfast: Greek yogurt with chopped roasted chestnuts and berries
• Lunch: Autumn salad with greens, apple, toasted chestnuts, and vinaigrette
• Snack: Handful of roasted chestnuts with sea salt
• Dinner: Sheet‑pan chicken, Brussels sprouts, and chestnuts
• Dessert: Dark chocolate bark with crushed chestnuts (just a little!)

Join the Chestnut Community

If this episode sparked ideas, take your next step:

• Explore grower tools, episodes, and guides: unitedchestnuts.com/resources
• Want help getting started? Reach out here: unitedchestnuts.com/contact-us/

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References Mentioned by Landon

• Borges et al. (2008). Food Chemistry 106(3): 976–984.
• Gonçalves et al. (2023). Foods 12(5): 942.
• Li et al. (2016). Food Chemistry 201: 80–86.
• Li et al. (2022). Food Chemistry 395: 133575.
• Santos et al. (2022). Foods 11(24): 4052.

Uncovering The Nutritional Value of Chestnuts with Landon Evans

References provided by Landon

Borges, O., Gonçalves, B., de Carvalho, J. L. S., Correia, P., & Silva, A. P. (2008). Nutritional quality of chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) cultivars from Portugal. Food chemistry, 106(3), 976-984.

Gonçalves, B., Pinto, T., Aires, A., Morais, M. C., Bacelar, E., Anjos, R., … & Cosme, F. (2023). Composition of Nuts and Their Potential Health Benefits—An Overview. Foods, 12(5), 942.

Li, Q., Shi, X., Zhao, Q., Cui, Y., Ouyang, J., & Xu, F. (2016). Effect of cooking methods on nutritional quality and volatile compounds of Chinese chestnut (Castanea mollissima Blume). Food Chemistry, 201, 80-86.

Li, R., Sharma, A. K., Zhu, J., Zheng, B., Xiao, G., & Chen, L. (2022). Nutritional biology of chestnuts: A perspective review. Food Chemistry, 395, 133575.

Santos, M. J., Pinto, T., & Vilela, A. (2022). Sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) nutritional and phenolic composition interactions with chestnut flavor physiology. Foods, 11(24), 4052.