Chestnuts

  • Come along to the amazing Summer Moot (21st July - 2nd August), a festival of bushcrafting and camping in a beautiful woodland PLEASE CLICK HERE for more information.

TeeDee

Full Member
Nov 6, 2008
11,724
4,833
51
Exeter
Beyond roasting them and eating the blighters - what more interesting things can one do with Chestnuts.
 
Marron glacé....bit of a footer, but well worth the effort.
They're also awfully good roasted with sprouts and good seasalt.
 
We’ve had none to find this year, just little thin things. It’s the been the same with conkers, we have a huge Horse Chestnut tree opposite our house and the road is usually covered with conker mush. Beech too, loads of shells but not a single seed in any of the triangular nuts, all were hollow.

If you do have a load, then a Chestnut stuffing recipe done with good sausage meat, bacon and onion can’t be beaten. Good sliced as a kind of haslet sandwich filling too.

64017600-ECFF-4018-9619-128EF0884AC1.jpeg2B704A56-9B09-4749-A1DC-6D5A0EFF461B.jpeg
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: punkrockcaveman
I've not tried it but what about a pesto in place of pine nuts?

It's the same around here with beech and sweet chestnut, there's just nothing to them, anaemic skinny little things, does anyone know what causes it and why they don't fatten up?
 
  • Love
Reactions: TeeDee
Up here (Chester) I have only found decent hauls on the very very mature trees. Also add to that some are just good years and some bad.

I believe they do better down south and in much warmer climes.
 
  • Like
Reactions: punkrockcaveman
Roasted and dried to make a flour. Also having a go at making some hummus after roasting. Just a heads up for anyone who's new. Sweet chestnuts must be cooked before consumption as they are toxic raw.
Really,? I remember well eating them raw as a kid, having to peel off the furry under skin, used to love them.
 
Really,? I remember well eating them raw as a kid, having to peel off the furry under skin, used to love them.
Same here, still do. I didn’t know this until I googled but apparently the tannic acid can cause stomach problems.
 

BCUK Shop

We have a a number of knives, T-Shirts and other items for sale.

SHOP HERE