Sweet Chestnut (Castanea sativa)

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

Castanea sativa is a deciduous Tree growing to 30 m (98ft) by 15 m (49ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. 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 Bees. It is noted for attracting wildlife.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds

Harvest Seasons: Fall, Late Summer, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

taste raw, it improves considerably when cooked and is delicious baked with a floury texture and a flavour rather like sweet potatoes. — Seed - raw or cooked.; A somewhat astringent taste raw, it improves considerably when cooked and is delicious baked with a floury texture and a flavour rather like sweet potatoes.; The seed is rich in carbohydrates, it can be dried, then ground and used as a flour in breads, puddings, as a thickener in soups etc.; The roasted seed can be used as a coffee substitute.

Habitat & North American Range

Woods in mountains. (Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7)