Indian Horse Chestnut (Aesculus indica)

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

Aesculus indica is a deciduous Tree growing to 30 m (98ft) by 12 m (39ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from June to July, and the seeds ripen in October. 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

flavour when making bread. — It can be dried, ground into a powder and used as a gruel.; The seed is roasted then eaten in Nepal.; It is also dried then ground into a flour and used with wheat flour to develop the flavour when making bread.; The seed is quite large, about 35mm in diameter, and is easily harvested.

Habitat & North American Range

Wet temperate forests and shady ravines to 3,000 metres. (Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)