Japanese Chestnut (Castanea crenata)

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

Castanea crenata is a deciduous Tree growing to 9 m (29ft 6in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4. It is in flower in July, and the seeds ripen in October. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by Insects.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds

Harvest Seasons: Fall, Late Summer, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Seed - raw or cooked. A good potato substitute. A source of starch. Very poor flavour. Coarse and of little value. Very variable in size and quality, any astringency can be removed by boiling the seed in salty water. — Seed - raw or cooked.; A good potato substitute.; A source of starch.; Very poor flavour.

Habitat & North American Range

Foothills. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)