sweet chestnuts

Discussion in 'General Gardening Discussion' started by lazy-gardener, Oct 16, 2006.

  1. lazy-gardener

    lazy-gardener Gardener

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    There are a few trees in the park and i picked a couple just to have a look. I (finally!) opened them and the nuts inside are an ok size i think but a little unripe. Do I wait to pick them or do they ripen after picking? have never had any dealings with these before apart from eating them
     
  2. frogesque

    frogesque Gardener

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    There's a few trees near me too but the nuts are pretty small. I think the trees are a dwarf variety and only about 20ft high and they've been there for over 40 years. They taste OK but not a lot of flesh to them

    The tree I used to climb as kid was as big as a tall oak and the nuts were much bigger. We just used to roast them by the bonfire on a tin tray!

    I think if you harvest them as they are about to fall naturally they should keep 'till Christmas but I do prefer them fresh and smokey

    The spines can be evil and the easiest way to open them is to use your heel and gently press on them while doing a 1/4 turn which will pop the green skins off to reveal the nut.
     
  3. lazy-gardener

    lazy-gardener Gardener

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    Thanks. I have found out about the spines!! anyone got any tweezers???
     
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