As soon as chestnuts are ripe, those prickly little husks fall from the trees and spill their delicious treasure. If you’re out for a stroll during harvest season, you can gather them up to whip up some amazing fall dishes. Here’s everything you need to know about when to head out and how to spot the best ones.
When Are Chestnuts Ready to Harvest?
You’ll want to make sure your chestnuts are fully ripe before you start cooking with them. Luckily, it’s pretty easy to tell! Ripe chestnuts lose that pale or yellowish tint and turn a beautiful, deep mahogany brown. Plus, the tree does the hard work for you—chestnuts only drop once they’re ready. Just a heads-up: you’ve got to be quick! If you don’t get to them first, the local squirrels, deer, and other wildlife definitely will.
When is chestnut season?
- Usually between September and December
- Harvest times vary depending on where you live
The exact timing depends a lot on the local climate. Chestnut trees love milder temperatures, which is why you’ll find them more often in warmer regions rather than the chilly north. Trees soaking up plenty of sun will ripen much faster than those tucked away in shady or colder spots. Generally, the first chestnuts start hitting the ground in September. In warmer areas, you can find tons of them scattered across the forest floor, and the season can sometimes last all the way through December.
Tips for Your Foraging Trip
If you’re planning to go chestnut hunting, you don’t need much gear. First, make sure you’re heading to a public forest where these trees grow—remember, it’s a no-go to forage on private property without asking the owner first! You’ll find plenty of chestnut groves throughout the warmer southern regions. Just grab a sturdy bag or a basket to carry your haul, and you’re good to go.
I also highly recommend wearing a pair of sturdy boots. Not only will they help you navigate the uneven forest floor, but they’re also the secret to pain-free collecting. Those “hedgehog” husks are seriously prickly! Instead of using your hands, use your boots to gently press down on the sides of the husk until the chestnut pops out. Then, you can easily pick up the nut without getting poked by the spines.
