Discover El Bierzo, the chestnut region

To the west of the province of León, in an environment of rugged landscapes that are cut between the Castilian plain and the Galician mountains, El Bierzo is discovered as a huge circle of marveling lands, where more than 8.000 tons of chestnuts are produced per year .

To mark the Chestnut Day, which takes place on November 23, we are approaching one of the most important regions for chestnut fruit in Spain: El Bierzo. It is a land of a majestic greenery, with fresh waters and some of the largest forest masses in the Spanish geography.

Of wild nature, rugged and shrouded by great mountains and rocky ridges, has one of the most appreciated Denominations of Origin, thanks to its unique variety, the berciano vineyard.

The great claims of El Bierzo, a region with a lot of punch!

From the historical-cultural point of view, El Bierzo is a door to Celtiberian culture, which still remains anchored in its villages and forests. It is also an area highly appreciated by the hiking lovers and the descents in mountain biking.

Among other enclaves, the Valle del Silencio, the pallozas de Balboa, the Palacio de Canedo, Villafranca del Bierzo and spectacular templar castles, like the one in Ponferrada or the Castro de Chano.

Of course, with the excuse of Chestnut Day, you can’t stop visit Ponferrada, capital of the area. Located between the Sil and Boeza rivers, it preserves one of the best old town in Spain. In the upper part of the city, is the castle Templar, below the Basilica and Calle del Reloj, with its tower that leads to the town hall square.

But if there is something you must try if you go to El Bierzo, they are, how could it be otherwise, its chestnuts. Known by the nickname of “brown gold”, chestnuts from the El Bierzo region are one of the most appreciated products in the world market.

La Castaña in El Bierzo, what makes them so special?

The chestnuts in the area are large and very different to those of other areas. In fact, among their distinctive attributes is a flavor that makes them unique and that has earned them various distinctions in national and international markets. For example, chestnuts from El Bierzo are highly valued in France for making Marron glace and in Italy, as a dried fruit for consumption.

In addition, they present a great nutritional value, with a water content close to 50%, as well as a high concentration of minerals, among which are phosphorus, calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium and copper. Too, provide vitamins of group B, like B1, B3, B6 and folic acid.

They are rich in complex carbohydrates and a natural source of starch and fiber, which makes them a satiating dried fruit, ideal for diets. At the same time, chestnuts are highly recommended for hypertension, heart disease, kidney problems, for nursing mothers and for deficiency states, such as anemia.

As you have seen, El Bierzo offers you a door to rest through all the senses. Without a doubt, it is a place to escape to, where you can enjoy nature, monuments and their products. In addition, in El Bierzo you will not only enjoy chestnuts, but you will also be able to taste their organic wines With denomination of origin!