Castanopsis chestnut (Castanopsis acuminatissima)

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

Castanopsis acuminatissima is an evergreen Tree growing to 25 m (82ft) by 25 m (82ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. The flowers are pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds

Harvest Seasons: Fall, Late Summer, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

taste somewhat like rice. — Seed - raw or cooked.; They are more commonly cooked, it is mainly children who collect them and eat them raw.; The seeds can be boiled or roasted - when cooked they taste somewhat like rice.; The seed is up to 15mm x 10mm, contained in a spiny seedcase.

Habitat & North American Range

An upper canopy tree of primary or relict forest, mostly on hillsides and ridges and often on loamy sandy soil; at elevations from 300 - 2,500 metres. (Zone 10)