Chinese Horse Chestnut (Aesculus chinensis)

Family: Hippocastanaceae | Edibility: Edible (3/5)

Aesculus chinensis is a deciduous Tree growing to 25 m (82ft) by 10 m (32ft) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6 and is not frost tender. It is in flower in July, and the seeds ripen in September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds

Harvest Seasons: Fall, Late Summer, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

rich in saponins, these must be removed before it can be used as a food and this process also removes many of the minerals and vitamins, leaving behind mainly starch. — It can be dried and ground into a powder and used as a gruel.; The seed is quite large, it can be 3cm in diameter, and is easily harvested.; Unfortunately it is also rich in saponins, these must be removed before it can be used as a food and this process also removes many of the minerals and vitamins, leaving behind mainly starch.; See also the notes above on toxicity.

Habitat & North American Range

Mountains of Szechwan. (Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)