Horse chestnut (Aesculus spp)

Family: Sapindaceae | Edibility: Choice Edible (4/5)

Aesculus spp comprises 13–19 species of flowering plants in the soapberry and lychee family. They are trees and shrubs native to the temperate Northern Hemisphere, with six species native to North America and seven to 13 species native to Eurasia. Also, several hybrids occur. They have good edible, medicinal and other uses. See individual species for more information.

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. — The roasted seed is used as a coffee substitute.; It can be dried, ground into a powder and used as a gruel.; The seed is quite large, about 3cm in diameter, and is easily harvested.; It is usually produced in abundance in Britain.

Habitat & North American Range

Trees and shrubs native to the temperate Northern Hemisphere, with six species native to North America and seven to 13 species native to Eurasia. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)