Chestnuts have been known to mankind for millennia, when they were a staple food in southern Europe, Turkey, and southwest Asia, largely replacing cereals where its cultivation was difficult.

Evidence of human cultivation of chestnuts dates back to around 2000 BC. Alexander the Great and the Romans planted chestnuts throughout Europe during their various campaigns. The Greek army is said to have survived the withdrawal from Asia Minor in 401-399 BC thanks to the supply of chestnuts.

The ancient Greeks - Dioscorides and Galen - wrote about chestnuts in the context of their medicinal properties, as well as flatulence caused by excessive consumption.

For the early Christians, chestnuts symbolized purity.