In autumn and winter it is chestnut or chestnut season. These fruits are offered in roasted form, especially at Christmas markets. But you can also prepare a variety of other types of them and collect them yourself in some areas of Germany.
When is the harvest time for chestnuts?
The chestnut harvest time is usually between the end of September and mid-October. Ripe fruits fall from the tree and should be picked up quickly, as they can be stored for a relatively short time in their natural form and are also sought after by animals such as squirrels and wild boars.
Where are chestnuts harvested?
The sweet chestnut, as the sweet chestnut is also called, prefers a mild climate and a warm location. It is primarily native to southern Europe. In Germany it is mostly found in wine-growing regions, for example in the Palatinate, but also in the Black Forest, the Taunus or on the Moselle, Saar and Nahe. In colder regions the harvest quantity drops significantly, even if the chestnut only reacts sensitively to late frosts.
When are chestnuts ripe?
The ripening time for chestnuts is quite limited. It usually falls between the end of September and mid-October. The ripe fruits are not picked, they fall from the tree and “just” have to be picked up. However, they have a lot of competition because squirrels and wild boars also like chestnuts. By nature, chestnuts do not last very long, but various breeding methods have produced varieties that can be stored quite well.
How can I prepare and use chestnuts?
The preferred way to prepare chestnuts is roasting. You can also use it to make a very tasty soup, stuff a goose with it or create sweet desserts with it. If you would like to preserve a larger quantity of harvest, freezing is recommended. The fruits can also be dried.
The most important things in brief:
- Harvest usually late September to mid-October
- ripe fruits fall from the tree
- collect quickly
- relatively short shelf life
Tip
Don't let squirrels steal your ripe chestnuts.
