Chestnuts always conjure images of Christmastime (or lame jokes), so it might seem weird that National Chestnut Week is this week. I guess every other week in December was taken; maybe it’s because they’re now fully in season. For whatever reason, this is the week that we celebrate the chestnut; so here are some of the health benefits of chestnuts, as well as some ways you might want to celebrate.

That said, there are plenty of other benefits to be had from eating chestnuts. A full serving contains almost three grams of protein and 27 milligrams of calcium. They also contain iron, niacin, vitamin B, vitamin C, riboflavin and phosphorus. A serving also contains only 4 grams of fat, which is low for nuts.

Dubbed “the grain that grows on trees,” chestnuts are packed with fiber, which makes them filling. They contain no cholesterol, have lots of complex carbohydrates and have less calories than peanuts and cashews. With about 170 calories in a serving, they’re considered a good snack for those hoping to lose weight.

Chestnuts are considered good body building foods. They are often recommended for people who need to gain wait. (You might think that’s not much of a problem in our society, but there are still plenty of underweight people afoot who do need the extra nutrition.)

Chestnut leaves are used to help curb a fever, and it also helps treat pyorrhea and teeth maladies. Chestnuts can be used in treating whooping cough and respiratory problems, as well as in repairing blood vessel, vein, and capillary damage.

Grown primarily in Italy, China, Spain and Japan, there are over 100 varieties of chestnut treas. They are considered a staple in the classic Mediterranean diet, and were a common food among peasants during the Middle Ages. Good chestnuts should be firm and heavy, with shiny, dark shells. Chestnuts that are dim or mottled might have mold, so don’t buy them.

Here are just a handful of ways to enjoy chestnuts this week:

• Roast them. This is probably the most common way of eating chestnuts.
• Replace your peanuts or cashews with chestnuts for the week and save a few calories.
• Try a new chestnut recipe. From soup to pudding, cheesecake to stuffing, main dishes to sauces, there are plenty of chestnut recipes on the web to try.
• Ground them up as flour or to flavor other dishes.