Sweet chestnuts are a total treat in the kitchen, but here’s a little secret: you don’t have to shell out money for them at the grocery store! You can actually forage for these tasty nuts yourself. All you need is a nearby forest with the right trees and a little bit of free time.
Where to Find Sweet Chestnuts
Since sweet chestnuts love a milder climate, you’ll often find them in regions with warmer pockets of weather. In the U.S., while the native American chestnut is rare due to blight, you can often find Chinese chestnuts or European hybrids in parks and woodlands across many states. Before you start filling your bags, just make sure the tree isn’t on private property—if it is, the owner gets first dibs on the harvest. If you’re in a public forest or park where foraging is allowed, you’re good to go!
It’s important to remember that only sweet chestnuts are edible. Horse chestnuts (often called buckeyes) are great for wildlife, but they’re toxic to humans. Luckily, it’s easy to tell them apart. Horse chestnuts are usually perfectly round, while sweet chestnuts have a distinct flat side and a little “tuft” at the tip. You can also spot sweet chestnuts by their husks—they look like little green hedgehogs covered in a million tiny, sharp needles.
Tips for a Successful Foraging Trip
Chestnut season usually kicks off in September and can last through early December. The exact harvest time depends on your local weather and where the trees are located. You’ll know they’re ready when the prickly husks start dropping to the ground.
Here’s what you should bring along:
- Sturdy boots
- A pair of thick gloves (optional, but helpful!)
- A burlap or mesh bag
Getting the chestnuts out of those “hedgehog” husks requires a bit of caution so you don’t get poked. You can either wear heavy-duty gloves or use the “boot method.” Wear sturdy shoes and gently step on the husk to press it open until the nuts pop out. If you use both feet to press from the left and right sides simultaneously, the nuts will slide right out in no time. Then, just toss your treasures into your bag!
How to Use Them in the Kitchen
Once you get your haul home, you’ve got a few delicious options. The classic way is to score the shells with a sharp knife (make an “X”) and roast them in the oven. This gives you that nostalgic, smoky flavor you find at winter street fairs.
Alternatively, you can soak the nuts in a pot of hot water first. This makes it easier to peel off the outer shell. Once the hard shell is gone, use a small knife to scrape away the thin, bitter brown skin underneath. After they’re peeled, you can boil them or incorporate them into everything from creamy soups to holiday stuffings. Happy foraging!