Nutters

Discussion in 'Hook, Line and Sinker' started by Scrungee, Oct 27, 2016.

  1. Scrungee

    Scrungee Well known for it

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    Very poor foraging for Wallnuts and Hazelnuts this year, but have got over 10 lbs of Chesnuts from the local trees whilst out dog walking ..

    nutters.jpg
     
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    • Phil A

      Phil A Guest

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      Good haul Scrunge :thumbsup:
       
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      • JWK

        JWK Gardener Staff Member

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        I'm going to appear pretty stupid here but I never realised Sweet Chestnuts were the same as what you get in the supermarkets at Christmas for roasting. Especially after going for a walk this weekend in the woods and seeing loads of them on the ground, never thought to pick them up. I will now - I love them :)
         
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        • Jiffy

          Jiffy The Match is on Fire

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          Same here, the frost had them
           
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          • "M"

            "M" Total Gardener

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            Lovely haul of chestnuts there scrungee :thumbsup: I've seen quite a goodly amount on my walks but the nuts are very small this year, but I'm guessing that is down to the dry summer we've had. Pity, because I love chestnut soup!
            What will you make with your haul?
             
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            • Kandy

              Kandy Will be glad to see the sun again soon.....

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              IMG_0322.JPG They look nice and healthy nuts scungee:blue thumb:

              We have done pretty well with Hazelnuts again this year and this lot was a couple of days picking while out on a stroll and these will last us for quiet a while :biggrin:
               
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              • Phil A

                Phil A Guest

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                Used to go picking them here John, loads of trees :)
                 
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                • Phil A

                  Phil A Guest

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                  Kandy's had em all Scrunge :whistle: :biggrin:
                   
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                  • Scrungee

                    Scrungee Well known for it

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                    We had a very dry summer, but there were some new Chestnut trees planted about 15 years ago and some of them have decent sized nuts that are within range of a long stick to knock them down, or a 'dog stick' thrown to get those at the top.

                    There's 100's of mature Chestnut trees in a woodland about 15 mins walk from home, but the nuts are so high up they cant bee seen and it's lots of hassle finding fallen ones amongst the undergrowth, plus despite the trees being much bigger, the nuts are smaller than the others.

                    I reckon they're as good as the nuts Tesco are selling for £3/lb

                    nuts.jpg
                     
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                    • Fern4

                      Fern4 Total Gardener

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                      You could make a very nice veggie chestnut roast out of that lot Scrungee :thumbsup:
                       
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                      • Scrungee

                        Scrungee Well known for it

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                        Despite being a vegetarian (pechatarian to be more precise) I've never liked any form of nut roast, but have always loved gathering and roasting chestnuts in a tin on/under open fires/stoves at this time of year, second only to using my open fire toasted sandwich maker.
                         
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                        • Fern4

                          Fern4 Total Gardener

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                          I've never had an open fire toasted sandwich.....sounds delicious!
                           
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                          • HarryS

                            HarryS Eternally Optimistic Gardener

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                            How can you tell a sweet Chestnut from t'other type ,Conkers ?
                             
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                            • Fern4

                              Fern4 Total Gardener

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                              Well I know horse chestnuts are poisonous but I don't know how to tell them apart :yikes:
                               
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                              • ARMANDII

                                ARMANDII Low Flying Administrator Staff Member

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                                "The sweet chestnut is the delicious, edible chestnut that most people are familiar with around the holidays. An edible chestnut is easiest to spot if it is still in its husk, which is spiny and needle-sharp. The toxic, inedible chestnut, also called the horse chestnut, has a husk that is much smoother, with only a few warts. Horse chestnuts are the ones commonly found in forests and backyards.

                                [​IMG]
                                Image 1. Sweet chestnuts, like those shown here, have a distinct spiny husk that is sharp to the touch.

                                Another easy way to tell them apart is to look at the nut itself. Both are brown with a light-colored spot on them. However, edible chestnuts always have a tassel or point on the nut—something that your finger can feel as a point. The toxic chestnut has no point—it is smooth and roundish all over.

                                Sweet, edible chestnuts are not only non-toxic but are also an incredibly healthful snack.

                                “Chestnuts are a wonderful treat,” said Dennis Fulbright, professor of plant pathology at Michigan State University. “They are low in fat, high in protein, gluten-free, high in vitamins and fiber, and, most importantly, they are delicious.”

                                That could be why there has been an explosion in chestnut growing in Michigan in the past 20 years. In 2007, Michigan had the largest number of chestnut growers and the most chestnut acreage in the United States.

                                [​IMG]
                                Image 2. On the left, three edible chestnuts with their tassel or point showing; and on the right, two toxic horse chestnuts without a tassel or point.

                                So, what is the best way to ensure that the chestnut you have is a sweet, edible chestnut?

                                “The first and most important consideration is to never pick up a chestnut or anything else off the ground and eat it,” Fulbright said. “Toxic horse chestnuts are often found on the ground because even animals don’t want to touch them.”"
                                 
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