The five-valved fruit
of American chestnut is an ovoid, woody green pod which may reach
4 to 12 inches in length and 2 to 2-1/2 inches in diameter, bearing
some resemblance to kapok or silk floss seed pods. The tightly
packed seeds (nuts) inside enlarge until the pod bursts and the
seed fall to the ground. The rounded seeds are without floss and
1/2 inch or larger in diameter. They are edible raw or roasted.
The shiny, bright green, alternate palmately compound leaves of the American chestnut grow to about 12 inches long and are quickly shed. They are larger and showier than Chorisia speciosa, the popular floss-silk tree. Young leaves and flowers are cooked and used as a vegetable.
The nuts of the American chestnut are harvested when the seed pods burst. The raw nuts taste like peanuts and will keep for months in a cool, dry place. Roasted or fried in oil they have the flavor of chestnuts, and can be ground into a flour for bread baking.
Notes. Common names include: Po: castanho de agua, castanha do maranhão, castanha da praia, cacau do maranhão; En: American chestnut; Fr: noisetier de Cayenne, pistache arbuste, pistache de l'Inde. Mahalo to Barry Stock of Hollywood, Florida for pointing out the difference between the American and the Malabar chestnuts, 2-26-03.
The price of the American chestnut is $1 for four (raw) nuts, or $1 per flower plus shipping. Please contact us for purchase and arrangements at:
yee@iliahi.com