According to the pollen analysis, the presence of the chestnut in Galicia dates back at least to the Pleistocene.This fruit was the basis of the diet in Europe until the arrival of the potato and the maize in the sixteenth century, period in which it lost its prominence in the rural kitchens. The culture and popular tradition gave them some utilities and meanings throughout the history, and they were even used as magic amulets.

Chestnuts were already considered sacred by the druids, even though its cultivation in Spain was introduced by the legions of the Roman Empire, at around the first century A.D. Chestnuts were eaten roasted, dried or in the form of flour.

The "Chestnut from Galicia" is one of the best known in Spain, and is being appreciated, more and more, by consumers in other countries where it is currently exported. This product, recognized under  Protected Geographical Indication (P.G.I.), is the fruit of the European chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) and it is exported to consumers in the most exclusive markets.

The chestnut from Galicia is highly appreciated due to its size and quality, also its seed vessel is thin, the colour is light brown and brilliant. It has also a thin membrane that slightly penetrates into the seed and which can be easily removed from the seed vessel. Another characteristic of the Galician chestnut is its sweet taste and firm texture which does not taste much of flour.

The Galician quality product is guaranteed by the Regulatory Board which is the Galician Institute of the Agriculture and Food Quality (Ingacal), the institution in charge of carrying out the control and certification of the chestnut regulated under the P.G.I. "Chestnut from Galicia".