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How to harvest chestnuts before wildlife gets them
 Chestnuts are dropping from trees right now in the Southeast, but people are not the only ones watching. Squirrels, deer, and other wildlife can make quick work of a ripe crop. Harvest ripe chestnutsLook for burs that have browned, split open, and fallen. Harvest nuts every 1-2 days, wear very thick gloves, and bring a bucket. Only gather chestnuts on public land or private land where you have permission. Confirm that you have true edible chestnuts rather than horse chestnuts or buckeyes before eating anything. Read the chestnut harvesting guide  Handle fresh nuts promptlyRinse and dry chestnuts soon after gathering. Chestnuts are higher in moisture than most nuts, so they require more careful storage. Our guide explains short-term drying, refrigeration, and longer storage options. It also covers chestnut weevils and steps that can reduce losses after harvest. Protect and store your harvest  Make chestnut flourCook, peel, pulverize, dry, and grind the nuts to make a sweet, gluten-free flour. Store the finished flour airtight, preferably in the freezer for the longest shelf life.  One easy way to eat themScore the shells before cooking, then roast the chestnuts in a cast iron pan until tender. More chestnut recipes you'll loveChestnut breakfast porridge with pan-roasted Japanese persimmons Chestnut flour cake with persimmons and buttermilk Chestnut flour crepes with beautyberry whipped cream Chestnut and shiitake mushroom soup One-pot roasted chicken with chestnuts and crabapples Chestnut spread infused with spruce needles American persimmon pie with chestnut flour crust and maple whipped cream Happy foraging, Aaron & Susan
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Tyrant Farms
We're educators and bloggers focused on the topics of raising pet/backyard ducks, no-dig organic gardening & rare edible plants, foraging, wild recipes, and related topics. Subscribe and join thousands of newsletter readers every week!
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