American Sweet Chestnut (Castanea dentata)

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

Castanea dentata is a deciduous Tree growing to 30 m (98ft) by 15 m (49ft). 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: Late Summer, Fall, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

sweetest seeds of any species in this genus. — Seed - raw or cooked.; Rather on the small side, but these are the sweetest seeds of any species in this genus.; The seed contains about 7% fat, 11% protein.; It can be dried, ground into powder and then be added to cereals when making bread, cakes etc.

Habitat & North American Range

Dry, gravelly or rocky, mostly acid soils. This species is virtually extinct in America due to chestnut blight. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)