The fruit of the sweet chestnut, also called chestnut or chestnut, has an appearance that sets it apart from other tree fruits. But she also has a doppelganger who also goes by the name Kastanie. A mix-up would have unpleasant consequences. Recognize the “right one”.
What do chestnuts look like?
The chestnut is a 2-4 cm large, pressure-resistantnutin a stable,glossy, dark brown shell. One side of the fruit is flattened, the other is rounded. A light umbilical spot is visible at the base, the end is slightly pointed.
How do the fruits grow on the tree?
Until shortly before the harvest is ripe, onlygreen, very prickly “fruits” can be seen on the chestnut. They are spherical and round and have a diameter of around 5-6 cm in wild forms and up to 10 cm in cultivated forms. As harvest time approaches, they become increasingly golden yellow to brownish. They are fruit cups (cupulas) in which the actual fruits grow protected, usually two, rarely one or three pieces per cup. When fully ripe, the four cup flaps open and release the edible nuts.
How can I distinguish chestnuts from horse chestnuts?
In Germany, only chestnuts are sold in supermarkets. So you can't miss it. Things look different when you go collecting in the great outdoors. The size, shape, peel and flesh of the fruits are so similar that it is difficult for inexperienced people to distinguish between them. Look at these details:
- Buckeyes do not have a pointed, hairy end
- are usually rounder, without a flattened side
- the fruit cup has fewer but harder spines
- some varieties are not prickly at all
It's also worth taking a look at the foliage. While the five-membered leaves of the chestnut resemble a hand, the leaves of the horse chestnut are elongated oval and have a serrated edge.
When is the harvest time for horse chestnuts?
Onlyafter about 15 yearsdoes the sweet chestnut bear its first fruit. The harvest period, which lasts several days to a few weeks, isin autumn, but depending on the variety it can start as early as September or as late as the end of October. The start of the harvest season is also influenced by the weather.
Are horse chestnuts also edible or useful for other purposes?
Horse chestnuts are considered not edible+ or slightly poisonous. They may be able to be used as emergency food if the soapy substances they contain are rinsed out by long watering. However, horse chestnuts can be used as adetergent substitute, as the soapy substances can remove dirt. Horse chestnuts are also said to have healing powers, for example for venous problems.
Why are some fruits empty?
If the growing conditions are not ideal in a year, for example becauseimportant nutrients are missing, there may be some empty fruits. If almost all the fruits are empty, another tree may be missing asBefruchter.
Can I eat chestnuts raw?
Yes, Chestnuts are edible raw. However, they must first bepeeled. The thin seed skin underneath the shell must also be removed. However, very fresh chestnuts are more difficult to digest when raw. Store them for a few days to allow some of the starch to convert to sugar, then they will be easier to digest.
Tip
Fresh chestnuts are plump, heavy and shiny
If chestnuts are stored for a long time or incorrectly, they will soon no longer be edible. Bad specimens become lighter, lose their shine, smell musty or even have visible traces of mold. The shell also becomes drier and more wrinkled and gives way easily when pressed with your finger.
