Chestnut question.

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I don't know if anyone is "here" tonight, but I have a question to ask...can't find anything in my books! I bought a small bag of chestnuts at the grocery store yesterday and left them in the plastic produce bag that I'd put them in. This morning I noticed that the bag was sweating slightly and it looked like a few of the chestnuts were opening at the pointy end. Is this where the growth starts? And is it possible to pot one up and grow it? I don't expect to grow a whole tree, of course, but I'd like to see if I could get something to grow. It's a "challenge" I guess! And, if they have started to sprout, are they still okay to roast??

Merry Christmas!!

-- Anonymous, December 23, 2001

Answers

Yes indeed, that is what is happening. I've grown a few in pots over the winter, but spider mites are extremely fond of them, so you have to be careful to not let them suck the life out of the young tree.

I forget where you said that you live (sorry!), but chinese chestnuts are hardy to zone 5, I believe.

The ones starting to sprout are okay to cook at least until they get a real root going. If it is just a little nubbin of a root nose, I eat the whole works. I like to slit them open on the flat side, boil them until they are tender and peel and eat them. I've tried the 'roasting on an open fire' thing, and they turned into petrified toothbreakers. I suspect that you're supposed to boil them FIRST, and THEN briefly roast them to kind of accentuate the flavour. I bought some roasted ones from a sidewalk vendor in London that were absolutely wonderful. Oh dear...I've made myself hungry for chestnuts..!

-- Anonymous, December 24, 2001


Thanks for the info, Julie. I'm definitely gonna try to grow one or two!! I'm in either zone 4 or 5...never can remember that :-)!! But if it grows, it will just be a houseplant (tree?). Like I really need another!!! Hubby likes to eat them, but I never have. Maybe I'll try them! Thanx again...and Merry Christmas!

-- Anonymous, December 24, 2001

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