As the chilly season starts to make its way in Egypt, many sights begin to appear on the streets of the populous country: boots, scarves, batata (sweet potato) carts, grilled corn, and sahlab (an Egyptian milk pudding beverage). One of such sights that most Egyptians wait for is ‘Abu Farwa’ (chestnuts). Kastenaa’ (Arabic for chestnuts) are popularly nicknamed as ‘Abu Farwa’ — which translates to ‘covered with fur’ — because they are surrounded by a prickly shell while growing. As Egyptians, many of us like to enjoy nuts as a snack, while watching a sports match, in family gatherings, or while watching a movie. In winter specifically, many like to sip on a warm beverage or nibble on a delicious snack to keep them warm. On cold winter days, chestnuts can be a great source of warmth. Whether roasted, boiled or cooked, these delicious treats are packed with nutrients and multiple health benefits. An excellent source of vitamin C, fiber, and potassium, Abu Farwa can aid in controlling blood sugar, regulating blood pressure, improving heart health, and weight loss. These reddish-brown nuts also include a variety of antioxidants and contain…
