Difference between revisions of "Chestnut" - New World Encyclopedia

From New World Encyclopedia
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'''Chestnut''' is the common name for any of the deciduous trees and shrubs comprising the genus '''''Castanea''''' (Cas-tá-ne-a) in the [[beech]] family [[Fagaceae]], native to temperate regions of the [[Northern Hemisphere]] and characterized by alternate, simple, toothed [[leaf|leaves]] and [[fruit]] in the form of cup-like [[nut]]s enclosed in a prickly outer shell. There are eight or nine species that have been identified as part of ''Castanea'', including chestnuts commonly called '''chinkapins''', which typically are smaller, often more shrubby, than the other species of large trees. The name chestnut also refers to the edible nut of these trees and to the wood, which has commercial value.  
+
'''Chestnut''' is the common name for any of the deciduous trees and shrubs comprising the genus '''''Castanea''''' (Cas-tá-ne-a) in the [[beech]] family [[Fagaceae]], native to temperate regions of the [[Northern Hemisphere]] and characterized by alternate, simple, toothed [[leaf|leaves]] and [[fruit]] in the form of cup-like [[nut]]s enclosed in a prickly outer shell (bur). There are eight or nine species that have been identified as part of ''Castanea'', including chestnuts commonly called '''chinkapins''', which typically are smaller, often more shrubby, than the other species of large trees. The name chestnut also refers to the edible nut of these trees and to the wood, which has commercial value.  
  
 
There also are other plants in other [[genus|genera]] and families that utilize the common name chestnut, including the horse chestnut (''Aesculus'' in Sapindaceae family; also called "buckeye"), the grass-like Chinese water chestnut (''Eleocharis dulcis'' in Cyperaceae family), and the water chestnut (''Trapa natans'' in the Trapaceae family).
 
There also are other plants in other [[genus|genera]] and families that utilize the common name chestnut, including the horse chestnut (''Aesculus'' in Sapindaceae family; also called "buckeye"), the grass-like Chinese water chestnut (''Eleocharis dulcis'' in Cyperaceae family), and the water chestnut (''Trapa natans'' in the Trapaceae family).
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==Description==
 
==Description==
−
 
+
[[Image:Châtaigner (Castanea sativa) JPG01.jpg|thumb|right|220px|''Castanea sativa'' tree]]
 +
[[Image:Castanea crenata3.jpg|thumb|left|200px|''Castanea crenata'' foliage]]
 
The beech family, '''Fagaceae''', to which chestnut belong, comprises about 900 species of both [[evergreen]] and [[deciduous]] trees and shrubs. Members of this family are characterized by alternate simple [[leaves]] with pinnate venation, unisexual [[flower]]s in the form of [[catkin]]s, and fruit in the form of cup-like ([[cupule]]) nuts. Fagaceous leaves are often lobed and both [[petiole (botany)|petiole]]s and [[stipule]]s are generally present.  Fruits lack [[endosperm]] and lie in a scaly or spiny husk (outer shell) that may or may not enclose the entire nut, which may consist of one to seven seeds.  The best-known group of this family is the [[oak]]s, genus ''Quercus'', the fruit of which is a nut (usually containing one seed) called an [[acorn]]. The husk of the acorn in most oaks only forms a cup in which the nut sits.
 
The beech family, '''Fagaceae''', to which chestnut belong, comprises about 900 species of both [[evergreen]] and [[deciduous]] trees and shrubs. Members of this family are characterized by alternate simple [[leaves]] with pinnate venation, unisexual [[flower]]s in the form of [[catkin]]s, and fruit in the form of cup-like ([[cupule]]) nuts. Fagaceous leaves are often lobed and both [[petiole (botany)|petiole]]s and [[stipule]]s are generally present.  Fruits lack [[endosperm]] and lie in a scaly or spiny husk (outer shell) that may or may not enclose the entire nut, which may consist of one to seven seeds.  The best-known group of this family is the [[oak]]s, genus ''Quercus'', the fruit of which is a nut (usually containing one seed) called an [[acorn]]. The husk of the acorn in most oaks only forms a cup in which the nut sits.
  
 +
[[Image:Chestnut flowers.jpg|thumb|left|200px|''Castanea sativa'' male catkins (pale buff) and female catkins (green, spiny, partly hidden by leaves)]]
 
The chestnuts, genus '''''Castanea''''', are mostly species are large trees growing to 20-40 meters tall, but some species (the chinkapins) are smaller, often shrubby. The [[leaf|leaves]] are simple, [[ovate]] or [[lanceolate]], 10-30 centimeters long and 4-10 centimeters broad, with sharply pointed, widely-spaced teeth, separated by shallow rounded sinuses. The [[flower]]s are [[catkin]]s, produced in mid summer; they have a heavy, unpleasant odor.  
 
The chestnuts, genus '''''Castanea''''', are mostly species are large trees growing to 20-40 meters tall, but some species (the chinkapins) are smaller, often shrubby. The [[leaf|leaves]] are simple, [[ovate]] or [[lanceolate]], 10-30 centimeters long and 4-10 centimeters broad, with sharply pointed, widely-spaced teeth, separated by shallow rounded sinuses. The [[flower]]s are [[catkin]]s, produced in mid summer; they have a heavy, unpleasant odor.  
  
−
The chestnut [[fruit]] is a spiny [[cupule]] 5-11 centimeters in diameter, containing one to seven nuts (Rushforth 1999; Bean 1976; FOC; FNA). It is a true [[nut]] in a [[Nut# Botanical definitions|botanical sense]], not just a [[Nut# Culinary definition and uses|culinary sense]]. That is, it is a hard, indehiscent (not opening to discharge seeds), simple, dry [[fruit]], whereby the [[plant]]'s [[ovary (plants)|ovary]] wall becomes very hard (stony or woody) at maturity, and where the [[seed]] remains unattached or unfused with the ovary wall.  
+
[[Image:Chestnuts.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Chestnuts inside their spiky capsule]]
 +
The chestnut [[fruit]] is a spiny [[cupule]] 5-11 centimeters in diameter, containing one to seven nuts (Rushforth 1999; Bean 1976; FOC; FNA). It is a true [[nut]] in a [[Nut# Botanical definitions|botanical sense]], not just a [[Nut# Culinary definition and uses|culinary sense]]. That is, it is a hard, indehiscent (not opening to discharge seeds), simple, dry [[fruit]], whereby the [[plant]]'s [[ovary (plants)|ovary]] wall becomes very hard (stony or woody) at maturity, and where the [[seed]] remains unattached or unfused with the ovary wall. The spiny covering is called a bur.
  
 
The name ''Castanea'' comes from the old Latin name for the Sweet Chestnut (Huxley 1992).
 
The name ''Castanea'' comes from the old Latin name for the Sweet Chestnut (Huxley 1992).
  
 
==Ecology==
 
==Ecology==
−
Chestnut trees thrive on neutral and acidic soils, such as soils derived from [[granite]], [[sandstone]], or [[schist]], and do not grow well on alkaline soils such as [[chalk]].<ref name=rhs/>
+
Chestnut trees thrive on neutral and acidic [[soil]]s, such as soils derived from [[granite]], [[sandstone]], or [[schist]], and do not grow well on alkaline soils such as [[chalk]] (Huxley 1992).>
 +
 
 +
The nuts are an important food for such birds as [[jay]]s and [[pigeon]]s, and such [[mammal]]s as [[squirrel]]s, [[turkey]]s, [[bear]], and [[deer]]. Several [[insect]]s, notably the [[weevil]] ''[[Curculio|Curculio elephas]]'' (chestnut weevil), also feed on the seeds (Huxley 1992).
 +
 
 +
The leaves are used as a food plant by the [[larva]]e of some [[Lepidoptera]] species.
  
−
The nuts are an important food for [[jay]]s, [[pigeon]]s, and [[squirrel]]s. Several [[insect]]s, notably the [[weevil]] ''[[Curculio|Curculio elephas]]'' (chestnut weevil), also feed on the seeds.<ref name=rhs/>
+
Chestnuts grown for commercial nut production are grown in [[orchard]]s with wide spacing between the trees to encourage low, broad crowns with maximum exposure to sunshine to increase nut production. On alkaline soils, chestnuts can be grown by [[grafting]] them onto [[oak]] rootstocks. Most wood production is done by [[coppice]] systems, cut on a 12 year rotation to provide small timber which does not split as badly as large logs (Edlin 1970).  
  
−
The leaves are used as a food plant by the [[larva]]e of some [[Lepidoptera]] species; see [[list of Lepidoptera that feed on chestnut trees]].
+
Chestnuts for planting require storage in moist sand and chilling over the winter before sowing; drying kills the [[seed]] and prevents germination.
  
 
===Diseases===
 
===Diseases===
−
A [[fungus|fungal]] disease, [[chestnut blight]] ''Cryphonectria parasitica'', affects chestnuts. The eastern Asian species have co-evolved with this disease and are moderately to very resistant to it, while the European and North American species, not having been exposed to it in the past, have little or no resistance.<ref name=rhs/>
+
A [[fungus|fungal]] disease, [[chestnut blight]] ''Cryphonectria parasitica'', affects chestnuts. The eastern Asian species have co-evolved with this disease and are moderately to very resistant to it, while the European and North American species, not having been exposed to it in the past, have little or no resistance (Huxley 1992).
  
−
Early in the 20th century, chestnut blight was introduced to North America by the importation of Asian chestnut plants. This resulted in the subsequent destruction of 3.5 billion American Chestnut trees{{Fact|date=December 2007}} over the next 40 years, and what had been the most important tree throughout the east coast was reduced to insignificance. The American chinkapins are also very susceptible to chestnut blight. The European and west Asian Sweet Chestnut is susceptible, but less so than the American.<ref name=rhs/>
+
Early in the 20th century, chestnut blight was introduced to North America by the importation of Asian chestnut plants (AP 2007). In 1904, this fungus was detected in New York City and by 1950, ninety percent of the American chestnut trees, 3.5 billion trees, had died (AP 2007). What had been the most important tree throughout the east coast was reduced to insignificance. The American chinkapins are also very susceptible to chestnut blight. The European and west Asian Sweet Chestnut is susceptible, but less so than the American (Huxley 1992).
  
−
The resistant species, particularly Japanese Chestnut and Chinese Chestnut but also Seguin's Chestnut and Henry's Chestnut, have been used in breeding programs in the US to create [[Hybrid (biology)|hybrid]]s with the American Chestnut that are also disease resistant.<ref name=rhs/>
+
The resistant species, particularly Japanese Chestnut and Chinese Chestnut but also Seguin's Chestnut and Henry's Chestnut, have been used in breeding programs in the United States to create [[Hybrid (biology)|hybrid]]s with the American Chestnut that are also disease resistant (AP 2007).
  
 
==Uses==
 
==Uses==
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[[Image:Chestnuts_roasted.jpg|right|thumb|Roasted chestnuts in [[Cuisine of Australia|Melbourne]]]]
 
[[Image:Chestnuts_roasted.jpg|right|thumb|Roasted chestnuts in [[Cuisine of Australia|Melbourne]]]]
 
[[Image:Chestnuts02.jpg|right|thumb|Chestnuts]]
 
[[Image:Chestnuts02.jpg|right|thumb|Chestnuts]]
−
The nuts are an important food crop in southern Europe, southwestern and eastern Asia, and also in eastern North America before the arrival of chestnut blight. In southern Europe in the [[Middle Ages]], whole forest-dwelling communities which had scarce access to [[wheat]] flour relied on chestnuts as their main source of carbohydrates.
+
The nuts are an important food crop in southern Europe, and southwestern and eastern Asia, and were an important food resource in eastern North America before the arrival of chestnut blight. Chestnuts also have been a traditional staple food: In southern Europe in the [[Middle Ages]], whole forest-dwelling communities that had scarce access to [[wheat]] flour relied on chestnuts as their main source of [[carbohydrate]]s.
  
−
The nuts can be eaten candied, boiled or roasted; candied chestnuts are often sold under the [[French language|French]] name ''[[marrons glacés]]'' or [[Turkish language|Turkish]] name ''[[kestane şekeri]]''. Another important use of chestnuts is to be ground into [[flour]], which can then be used to prepare [[bread]], [[cake]]s and [[pasta]].
+
The nuts are peeled of their hard outer shells and bitter inner skin and then eaten candied, boiled, preserved, puréed, or roasted (Herbst 2001). Candied chestnuts are often sold under the [[French language|French]] name ''[[marrons glacés]]'' or [[Turkish language|Turkish]] name ''[[kestane şekeri]]''. Another important use of chestnuts is to be ground into [[flour]], which can then be used to prepare [[bread]], [[cake]]s, and [[pasta]].
  
−
Another little known use is to eat chestnuts raw by just peeling them (almost unknown in North-America but customary at least in Northwest Europe). When chestnuts are fresh from the field/store, peeling is not easy. However, after leaving them out at room temperature for 24-48 hours, using a simple small, pointed kitchen knife will allow the consumer to easily peel away the outside shell. Next, you peel the thinner inside skin. Wash, and if present cut away contamination, and eat. Chestnuts' taste may vary slightly from one to the next but is somewhat sweet and certainly unique. After leaving chestnuts out for more than 5-7 days the quality starts to degrade.
+
Another little known use is to eat chestnuts raw by just peeling them (almost unknown in North-America but customary at least in Northwest Europe). When chestnuts are fresh from the field/store, peeling is not easy. However, after leaving them out at room temperature for 24-48 hours, using a simple small, pointed kitchen knife will allow the consumer to easily peel away the outside shell. Next, the thinner inside skin is removed. After washing, and removing any contamination, they are eaten. Chestnuts' taste may vary slightly from one to the next but is somewhat sweet and certainly unique. After leaving chestnuts out for more than 5-7 days the quality starts to degrade.
  
 
Chestnut-based recipes and preparations are making a comeback in [[Italian cuisine]], as part of the trend toward rediscovery of traditional dishes.
 
Chestnut-based recipes and preparations are making a comeback in [[Italian cuisine]], as part of the trend toward rediscovery of traditional dishes.
  
 
===Other products===
 
===Other products===
−
The [[wood]] is similar to [[oak]] wood in being decorative and very durable. Due to disease, American Chestnut wood has almost disappeared from the market. Although quantities of Chestnut can still be obtained as [[Reclaimed lumber|reclaimed lumber]], it is difficult to obtain large timber from the Sweet Chestnut due to the high degree of splitting and warping when it dries.<ref name=edlin>Edlin, H. L. (1970). ''Trees, Woods and Man''. New Naturalist ISBN 00-213230-3.</ref> The wood of the Sweet Chestnut is most commonly used in small items where durability is important, such as fencing and wooden outdoor cladding ('shingles') for buildings. In Italy, it is also used to make barrels used for aging [[balsamic vinegar]].  
+
Chestnut [[wood]] is similar to [[oak]] wood in being decorative and very durable. Due to disease, American chestnut wood has almost disappeared from the market. Although quantities of chestnut can still be obtained as [[Reclaimed lumber|reclaimed lumber]], it is difficult to obtain large timber from the sweet chestnut due to the high degree of splitting and warping when it dries (Edlin 1970). The wood of the sweet chestnut is most commonly used in small items where durability is important, such as fencing and wooden outdoor cladding ('shingles') for buildings. In Italy, it is also used to make barrels used for aging [[balsamic vinegar]].  
  
 +
The [[bark]] was also a useful source of natural [[tannin]]s, used for tanning [[leather]] before the introduction of synthetic tannins (Edlin 1970).
  
−
The [[bark]] was also a useful source of natural [[tannin]]s, used for tanning [[leather]] before the introduction of synthetic tannins.<ref name=edlin/>
 
  
−
==Cultivation==
+
[[Image:Roastedchestnuts.JPG|thumb|'''Roasted California-grown chestnuts''' The nuts are scored before roasting to allow venting and facilitate peeling]]
−
{{Sect-stub}}
 
−
Chestnuts grown for nut production are grown in [[orchard]]s with wide spacing between the trees to encourage low, broad crowns with maximum exposure to sunshine to increase nut production. On alkaline soils, chestnuts can be grown by [[grafting]] them onto [[oak]] rootstocks. Most wood production is done by [[coppice]] systems, cut on a 12 year rotation to provide small timber which does not split as badly as large logs.<ref name=edlin/>
 
  
−
Chestnuts for planting require storage in moist sand and chilling over the winter before sowing; drying kills the seed and prevents germination.
+
==References==
  
−
==Artistic references==
+
Breeders Work for Return of Chestnut
−
[[Image:Roastedchestnuts.JPG|thumb|'''Roasted California-grown chestnuts''' The nuts are scored before roasting to allow venting and facilitate peeling]]
+
Associated Press
−
*The jazz standard "[[April in Paris (song)|April in Paris]]" begins, ''"April in Paris / Chestnuts in blossom."''
+
Friday, November 23, 2007;
−
*In the Polish film, ''[[Ashes and Diamonds (film)|Ashes and Diamonds]],'' two characters reminisce about the chestnut trees that once lined a famous boulevard destroyed in the [[Warsaw Uprising]].
+
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/11/22/AR2007112201255.html
−
*"[[The Christmas Song]]" begins with the phrase ''"Chestnuts roasting on an open fire."'' [[Nat King Cole]]'s hit recording is now a Christmas standard.
 
−
*In the movie ''[[Howards End (film)|Howards End]],'' Mrs. Ruth Wilcox ([[Vanessa Redgrave]]) tells of her childhood home, where superstitious farmers would place pigs' teeth in the bark of the chestnut trees and then chew on this bark to ease toothaches.
 
−
*In the novel ''[[Jane Eyre]],'' a chestnut tree outside of [[Thornfield Hall]] is broken in two by lightning. This foreshadows the break-up of Rochester and Jane's marriage.
 
−
*The opening lines of [[Henry Wadsworth Longfellow|Longfellow's]] poem ''[[The Village Blacksmith]]'' are ''"Under a spreading chestnut-tree / the village smithy stands."'' This famous reference is much remarked upon by those involved in projects to return the American chestnut to the wild.
 
−
*In George Orwell's 1984 the chestnut tree is used in poems recited throughout, referring to nature, modern life and lies ie the saying; 'that old chestnut'.
 
  
−
==References==
 
−
* Rushforth, K. 1999. ''Trees of Britain and Europe''. Collins. ISBN 0002200139.
 
 
* Bean, W. J. 1976. ''Trees and Shrubs Hardy in the British Isles'', 8th ed., vol. 1. John Murray. ISBN 0719517907.
 
* Bean, W. J. 1976. ''Trees and Shrubs Hardy in the British Isles'', 8th ed., vol. 1. John Murray. ISBN 0719517907.
 +
 +
.<ref name=edlin>Edlin, H. L. (1970). ''Trees, Woods and Man''. New Naturalist ISBN 00-213230-3.</ref>
  
 
* Flora of China. n.d. [http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=2&taxon_id=105816 ''Castanea'']. ''Flora of China'' 4: 315. Retrieved April 13, 2008.
 
* Flora of China. n.d. [http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=2&taxon_id=105816 ''Castanea'']. ''Flora of China'' 4: 315. Retrieved April 13, 2008.
Line 102: Line 102:
 
* Huxley, A. (ed.). 1992. ''The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening''. London: Macmillan. ISBN 0333770188.
 
* Huxley, A. (ed.). 1992. ''The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening''. London: Macmillan. ISBN 0333770188.
  
−
==External links==
+
 
−
*[http://www.greedygourmet.com/2007/11/16/roasted-chestnuts/ How to Roast Chestnuts]
+
* Rushforth, K. 1999. ''Trees of Britain and Europe''. Collins. ISBN 0002200139.
−
*[http://www.acf.org/ The American Chestnut Foundation]
+
 
 +
 
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
−
Image:Châtaigner (Castanea sativa) JPG01.jpg|A ''Castanea sativa'' tree
+
 
−
Image:Castanea crenata3.jpg|''Castanea crenata'' foliage
 
 
Image:Castanea dentata JPG.jpg|''Castanea dentata'' foliage
 
Image:Castanea dentata JPG.jpg|''Castanea dentata'' foliage
−
Image:Chestnut flowers.jpg|''Castanea sativa'' male catkins (pale buff) and female catkins (green, spiny, partly hidden by leaves)
+
 
−
Image:Chestnuts.jpg|Chestnuts inside their spiky capsule
 
 
Image:Chestnut03.jpg|Chestnuts can be found on the ground around trees
 
Image:Chestnut03.jpg|Chestnuts can be found on the ground around trees
 
Image:Young chestnuts.jpg|Young chestnuts
 
Image:Young chestnuts.jpg|Young chestnuts

Revision as of 17:58, 13 April 2008

Chestnut
Sweet Chestnut Castanea sativa
Sweet Chestnut Castanea sativa
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Fagales
Family: Fagaceae
Genus: Castanea
Species

Castanea alnifolia - Bush Chinkapin
Castanea crenata - Japanese Chestnut
Castanea dentata - American Chestnut
Castanea henryi - Henry's Chestnut
Castanea mollissima - Chinese Chestnut
Castanea ozarkensis - Ozark Chinkapin
Castanea pumila - Allegheny Chinkapin
Castanea sativa - Sweet Chestnut
Castanea seguinii - Seguin's Chestnut
* treated as a synonym of C. pumila by many authors

Chestnut is the common name for any of the deciduous trees and shrubs comprising the genus Castanea (Cas-tá-ne-a) in the beech family Fagaceae, native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere and characterized by alternate, simple, toothed leaves and fruit in the form of cup-like nuts enclosed in a prickly outer shell (bur). There are eight or nine species that have been identified as part of Castanea, including chestnuts commonly called chinkapins, which typically are smaller, often more shrubby, than the other species of large trees. The name chestnut also refers to the edible nut of these trees and to the wood, which has commercial value.

There also are other plants in other genera and families that utilize the common name chestnut, including the horse chestnut (Aesculus in Sapindaceae family; also called "buckeye"), the grass-like Chinese water chestnut (Eleocharis dulcis in Cyperaceae family), and the water chestnut (Trapa natans in the Trapaceae family).

ornamental timber food


Description

Castanea sativa tree
Castanea crenata foliage

The beech family, Fagaceae, to which chestnut belong, comprises about 900 species of both evergreen and deciduous trees and shrubs. Members of this family are characterized by alternate simple leaves with pinnate venation, unisexual flowers in the form of catkins, and fruit in the form of cup-like (cupule) nuts. Fagaceous leaves are often lobed and both petioles and stipules are generally present. Fruits lack endosperm and lie in a scaly or spiny husk (outer shell) that may or may not enclose the entire nut, which may consist of one to seven seeds. The best-known group of this family is the oaks, genus Quercus, the fruit of which is a nut (usually containing one seed) called an acorn. The husk of the acorn in most oaks only forms a cup in which the nut sits.

Castanea sativa male catkins (pale buff) and female catkins (green, spiny, partly hidden by leaves)

The chestnuts, genus Castanea, are mostly species are large trees growing to 20-40 meters tall, but some species (the chinkapins) are smaller, often shrubby. The leaves are simple, ovate or lanceolate, 10-30 centimeters long and 4-10 centimeters broad, with sharply pointed, widely-spaced teeth, separated by shallow rounded sinuses. The flowers are catkins, produced in mid summer; they have a heavy, unpleasant odor.

Chestnuts inside their spiky capsule

The chestnut fruit is a spiny cupule 5-11 centimeters in diameter, containing one to seven nuts (Rushforth 1999; Bean 1976; FOC; FNA). It is a true nut in a botanical sense, not just a culinary sense. That is, it is a hard, indehiscent (not opening to discharge seeds), simple, dry fruit, whereby the plant's ovary wall becomes very hard (stony or woody) at maturity, and where the seed remains unattached or unfused with the ovary wall. The spiny covering is called a bur.

The name Castanea comes from the old Latin name for the Sweet Chestnut (Huxley 1992).

Ecology

Chestnut trees thrive on neutral and acidic soils, such as soils derived from granite, sandstone, or schist, and do not grow well on alkaline soils such as chalk (Huxley 1992).>

The nuts are an important food for such birds as jays and pigeons, and such mammals as squirrels, turkeys, bear, and deer. Several insects, notably the weevil Curculio elephas (chestnut weevil), also feed on the seeds (Huxley 1992).

The leaves are used as a food plant by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species.

Chestnuts grown for commercial nut production are grown in orchards with wide spacing between the trees to encourage low, broad crowns with maximum exposure to sunshine to increase nut production. On alkaline soils, chestnuts can be grown by grafting them onto oak rootstocks. Most wood production is done by coppice systems, cut on a 12 year rotation to provide small timber which does not split as badly as large logs (Edlin 1970).

Chestnuts for planting require storage in moist sand and chilling over the winter before sowing; drying kills the seed and prevents germination.

Diseases

A fungal disease, chestnut blight Cryphonectria parasitica, affects chestnuts. The eastern Asian species have co-evolved with this disease and are moderately to very resistant to it, while the European and North American species, not having been exposed to it in the past, have little or no resistance (Huxley 1992).

Early in the 20th century, chestnut blight was introduced to North America by the importation of Asian chestnut plants (AP 2007). In 1904, this fungus was detected in New York City and by 1950, ninety percent of the American chestnut trees, 3.5 billion trees, had died (AP 2007). What had been the most important tree throughout the east coast was reduced to insignificance. The American chinkapins are also very susceptible to chestnut blight. The European and west Asian Sweet Chestnut is susceptible, but less so than the American (Huxley 1992).

The resistant species, particularly Japanese Chestnut and Chinese Chestnut but also Seguin's Chestnut and Henry's Chestnut, have been used in breeding programs in the United States to create hybrids with the American Chestnut that are also disease resistant (AP 2007).

Uses

Nuts

Chestnut output in 2005
A kestaneci or chestnut vendor in Istanbul
Roasted chestnuts in Melbourne
Chestnuts

The nuts are an important food crop in southern Europe, and southwestern and eastern Asia, and were an important food resource in eastern North America before the arrival of chestnut blight. Chestnuts also have been a traditional staple food: In southern Europe in the Middle Ages, whole forest-dwelling communities that had scarce access to wheat flour relied on chestnuts as their main source of carbohydrates.

The nuts are peeled of their hard outer shells and bitter inner skin and then eaten candied, boiled, preserved, puréed, or roasted (Herbst 2001). Candied chestnuts are often sold under the French name marrons glacés or Turkish name kestane şekeri. Another important use of chestnuts is to be ground into flour, which can then be used to prepare bread, cakes, and pasta.

Another little known use is to eat chestnuts raw by just peeling them (almost unknown in North-America but customary at least in Northwest Europe). When chestnuts are fresh from the field/store, peeling is not easy. However, after leaving them out at room temperature for 24-48 hours, using a simple small, pointed kitchen knife will allow the consumer to easily peel away the outside shell. Next, the thinner inside skin is removed. After washing, and removing any contamination, they are eaten. Chestnuts' taste may vary slightly from one to the next but is somewhat sweet and certainly unique. After leaving chestnuts out for more than 5-7 days the quality starts to degrade.

Chestnut-based recipes and preparations are making a comeback in Italian cuisine, as part of the trend toward rediscovery of traditional dishes.

Other products

Chestnut wood is similar to oak wood in being decorative and very durable. Due to disease, American chestnut wood has almost disappeared from the market. Although quantities of chestnut can still be obtained as reclaimed lumber, it is difficult to obtain large timber from the sweet chestnut due to the high degree of splitting and warping when it dries (Edlin 1970). The wood of the sweet chestnut is most commonly used in small items where durability is important, such as fencing and wooden outdoor cladding ('shingles') for buildings. In Italy, it is also used to make barrels used for aging balsamic vinegar.

The bark was also a useful source of natural tannins, used for tanning leather before the introduction of synthetic tannins (Edlin 1970).


Roasted California-grown chestnuts The nuts are scored before roasting to allow venting and facilitate peeling

References
ISBN links support NWE through referral fees

Breeders Work for Return of Chestnut Associated Press Friday, November 23, 2007; http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/11/22/AR2007112201255.html

  • Bean, W. J. 1976. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in the British Isles, 8th ed., vol. 1. John Murray. ISBN 0719517907.

.[1]

  • Flora of China. n.d. Castanea. Flora of China 4: 315. Retrieved April 13, 2008.
  • Flora of North America. n.d. Castanea. Flora of North America 3. Retrieved April 13, 2008.
  • Huxley, A. (ed.). 1992. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. London: Macmillan. ISBN 0333770188.



  • Castanea dentata JPG.jpg

    Castanea dentata foliage

  • Chestnuts can be found on the ground around trees

  • Young chestnuts

  • Chestnut wood. Note the splitting at the top of the log.

Credits

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  1. ↑ Edlin, H. L. (1970). Trees, Woods and Man. New Naturalist ISBN 00-213230-3.
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