Deciduous plants of the genus Chestnut from the beech family Castanea sativa, or simply edible chestnuts, are widespread in European territory, where they have been cultivated for several centuries for their tasty and nutritious fruits. Due to their hardiness and frost resistance, these trees grow even in the northern countries of Europe, for example, in the British Isles. However, regions with a mild climate, where there are no late spring frosts that adversely affect flowering, still have ideal conditions for this plant.
Description of edible chestnut
Adult plant is distinguished by a wide slender trunk, which is covered with gray corrugated bark with vertical or spiral furrows. Its height can reach 35 meters, and its diameter - two meters. The shape of the leaves is oblong, oval pointed, with a serrated edge, and their size is 16-28 cm in length and 5-10 cm in width. In our area, as you know, horse chestnut is common, and many do not know how to distinguish an edible chestnut from an inedible one. So, it is on the leaves. plant with inedible fruithas complex palmate leaves, which are located on a common petiole of 5-7 pieces, while its noble relative has large and dense single leaves with a glossy finish. The flowering period of chestnut is the first half of summer (late June - early July). At the ends of the branches, small white flowers appear, collected in long (10-20 cm) earrings, growing in bunches. Interestingly, one earring contains flowers of both sexes - the upper part of the earring is occupied by male flowers, and the lower one by female ones. By autumn, edible chestnut fruits ripen from female flowers, having a round shape and covered with a prickly protective shell that protects them from small animals and birds. In October, ripened fruits leave their prickly "house".
Growing conditions
Edible chestnuts grow well in well-drained sandy and light fertile soils. They do not tolerate too shaded places and excessively wet, swampy, infertile or calcareous soils. Reproduction of plants is carried out by grafting or seeds that ripen in mid-autumn. The main enemy of chestnut fruits is the gray squirrel, so trees should be planted where this animal is not found. It should be remembered that in regions with very low temperatures, the chestnut tree will not bear fruit.
Edible chestnuts - a real delicacy
The main we alth of Castanea sativa is delicious starchy nuts. Their nutritional qualities are similar to those of wheat,the only exception is the gluten binding protein - this component is absent in the fruits. Chestnut flour is used in the preparation of dough products to give them a peculiar flavor and crispiness. In addition, edible chestnuts play the role of a raw material in brewing, and are also an excellent ingredient for cakes and puddings. They are also used as an independent confectionery product, for example, roasted candied chestnuts are very popular in France.
