Edible Chestnut Trees

Chestnut trees are prized for their edible nuts.

Most edible chestnuts In the United States are imported from Europe. They are usually produced by the sweet chestnut tree (Castanea sativa), also called the Spanish chestnut. Only a few types of chestnut trees can be grown in the U.S.

Blight

In the early 1900s, chestnut blight, a fungal infection, was introduced to the United States. In 40 years, it destroyed every American chestnut tree (Castanea dentate) in North America. Only blight-resistant varieties will grow in the U.S. since then.

Trees

Some chestnut trees are minimally affected by blight and will grow in North America. These include the Chinese chestnut (Castanea mollissima) and the Japanese chestnut (Castanea crenata), as well as some specialized hybrids.

Fun Fact

Chestnuts have spiky coverings, called burrs, that protect the nuts and must be removed before they can be eaten. There is also a tough inner covering that can be split by heating the nuts so it can be peeled off.

References

• Floridata: Castanea sativa
• National Gardening Association: Edible Landscaping: I'm Nuts Over Nuts
• Celebrations: Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire