Celebrate Chestnuts in Portugal with Magusto- Village Edition
Updated: 9 hours ago
Introduction
Fall in Portugal.
September: pick grapes. October: pick chestnuts. November: pick olives.
Overview of São Martinho and the Magusto celebration.
Fall celebrations in small villages around Portugal
September - October - November Festas in Portugal
Chestnuts flourish from north to south throughout Portugal.
Embracing Saint Martin's Day- Celebrate Chestnuts in Portugal with Magusto
Saint Martin’s Day (São Martinho) is on November 11th.
Every year, Portugal celebrates the feast of Saint Martin on November 11th, a figure born of legend and generosity. It reminds me a little of Johnny Appleseed, who went around planting apples in America. Saint Martin was born around 316 AD; legend has it that when he was still a soldier, he found a beggar shivering, and cut his cloak in half and shared it with the beggar; instantly, a ray of sunshine broke through the clouds, giving rise to what the Portuguese call "Saint Martin's Summer," some unexpectedly warm days at the beginning of November. 11/11/2025 is absolutely a beautiful day in Portugal. Central Portugal is about 70°, sunny, with a slight breeze. A perfect 10.
Magusto, the feast of roasted chestnuts, is culturally important. It is a time to reflect on the summer gardening and farm work. It's a time to breathe and slow down. In November, you pick olives, make olive oil, and pick chestnuts.
Personal anecdotes about gathering around the fire for chestnuts. Traditionally, families and friends gather in the village club, open a barrel of new wine (wine from the last harvest), or bring a jug of their own to share, and roast chestnuts over an open fire. Our town uses a wood-burning oven that’s surrounded by brick that was once used to make bread. The chestnuts are absolutely delicious roasted this way. My husband‘s village calls this celebration Magusto
Jeropiga is a local, seasonal, sweet, and comforting drink. My husband's family makes a liquor after they’re done making the grapes. They don't usually have Jeropiga. I know many Portuguese families enjoy it.
Chestnuts Celebration in Portugal
The Chestnut Tradition in Portugal
Description of roasted chestnut carts seen around Lisbon and during local festas. I have seen 2 types of carts. Most resemble a small hot dog cart. Chestnuts are roasted and kept warm. Chestnuts are purchased by the dozen. You receive the warm chestnuts in a bag with a bag attached for the empty shells. The warm chestnuts warm your thoughts and your belly.
Chestnuts are sold by the dozen, offering a unique flavor experience.
Experience warm, toasted chestnuts on vibrant Portuguese streets. You'll also find chestnut carts at most festas in November. Warm chestnuts make a delicious treat paired with red wine or juice.
Celebrate Chestnuts in Portugal with Magusto
Global Chestnut Export Scene
Introduction to the top chestnut-exporting countries: Italy, Turkey, Portugal, and Spain. Portugal proudly ranks 6th in chestnut exports worldwide.
Surprising facts about China as a significant chestnut exporter. Asia is the largest producer and consumer of chestnuts.
Portugal ranks 6th globally, generating $13.2 million/year.
Health Benefits of Chestnuts
Overview of the health benefits of chestnuts, emphasizing their high fiber content.
Discussion on how chestnuts support digestive function, making them a healthy choice. https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-chestnuts
Personal reflections on including chestnuts in a balanced diet.
Chestnuts in the shell
Delectable Portuguese Chestnut Recipes
Highlight traditional Portuguese recipes that feature chestnuts:
- Traditional Portuguese Chestnut Cake: A sweet treat that embodies the season.
- Chestnut soups: Comfort food perfect for chilly autumn days.
- Roasted pork loin with chestnuts: A savory dish that celebrates local flavors.
- Portuguese Onions, Chestnuts, and Bacon: A delightful combination of tastes.
Narrative on the joy of cooking and sharing these recipes with family and friends.
I slice the chestnut peels first and soak the chestnuts in water for 30 minutes before roasting. The extra water left in the drained chestnuts creates steam in the hot pan, keeping the chestnuts from drying out and making them easier to peel.
Recipe: Roasted Pork Loin with Portuguese Chestnuts. https://bakeafter.com/recipe/dish/roasted-pork-loin-with-portuguese-chestnuts/
Recipe. Chestnut soup http://www.thedragonskitchen.com/2015/12/portuguese-chestnut-soup.html
The Legend of St. Martin
Background on St. Martin's life, including his origins and miraculous acts.
A detailed account of the legendary moment he shared his cape with a beggar, symbolizing kindness. Saint Martin was a young soldier when a beggar asked him for help. Martin cut his jacket in half and shared it with the beggar. The sky opened up, the sun shone down, the temperature rose, and the day was unusually warm for November. This is referred to as 'Summer of St. Martin.'
Reflection on the “Summer of St. Martin,” the brief warm weather that accompanies his feast day. While it was 70 degrees in Portugal on 11/11/2025, it let us finish picking chestnuts and olives.
Types of Chestnuts
Longal: Very popular, sweet, aromatic, and easy to peel; widely harvested in early November for traditional magustos (roasted chestnut celebrations).
Judia: Medium to large with a rich, buttery flavor; excellent for baking and roasting.
Martaínha: Sweet and juicy pulp with a semi-early ripening season; premium quality from the Lapa region. historic area in Lisbon)
Côta: Smaller, but prized for an authentic flavor and easy peeling.
Bárea & Clarinha: Found largely in the Alentejo region (southern), featuring distinct light-to-dark exteriors.
Roasted Chestnuts
Castanhas symbolize the arrival of fall, the coming winter, and the unofficial start of the holiday season. Trás-os-Montes is said to have some of the richest chestnut production in Portugal and has received the Protected Designation of Origin (DOP) Castanha da Terra Fria.
My husband and his Mother enjoy chestnuts with wine. Some Portuguese eat chestnuts with Jeropiga – This beverage is made by adding brandy to grape guts. This results in a sweeter-tasting beverage with a higher alcohol content than wine. Gather the chestnuts immediately after they fall from the tree. If they lie on the ground too long, the chestnuts can get bugs.
Not Horse Chestnuts: Edible sweet chestnuts belong to the Castanea genus, whereas toxic horse chestnuts (Aesculus) look similar but are poisonous.
Portugal celebrates Saint Eufemia in September.
September 15-16
(Sintra)
(Viseu)
towns in Portugal
travel Portugal
visitors to Portugal
Homemade wine
IChestnuts
This website contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase via a link. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases
Comments