Castanea sativa

Tamme kastanje / Sweet chestnut, European chestnut

Fagaceae (Napjesdragersfamilie)

Africa (north), Asia (west), Europe (south)

Back View cultivars and rootstocks

Edible plant part (1)

Nuts
Read 'form of consumption' for safe preparation methods

Toxic plant part (1)

None

Sweet chestnut, European chestnut belongs to the small trees-large shrubs in the food forest. In the process of ecological succession it is a mid and late species. The growth rate is medium. Fully grown the plant has an average height of 7 to 35 meter. and a width of 5 to 20 meter.
The foliage (or leaf cover) is dense. Leaves are rich in nutrients. The Sweet chestnut, European chestnut is decidious. It buds in april and it loses its leaves in november.
This species forms a heart-shaped deep root system. This species is slightly spreading in the food forest.

Disclaimer: The types of cultivars and hybrids in this database have been carefully chosen for good quality properties for food forests. They do not mean instant success. Food forestry is still a young field in which it is a core value to have the right plant in the right place and to focus on great diversity.

foto: Peter O'Connor, https://www.flickr.com/photos/anemoneprojectors/26158859146

foto: Peter O'Connor, https://www.flickr.com/photos/anemoneprojectors/26158859146

foto: Joost J. Bakker, https://www.flickr.com/photos/194951624@N02/52376978028

Growth factors

Frost (whole plant): very strong frost

cold frost

mild frost

light frost

no frost
Frost (flowers): very strong frost

cold frost

mild frost

light frost

no frost
Light: full sun

light shade

half shade

fairly deep shade

deep shade
Wind: strong sea wind

strong wind

some wind

sheltered

very sheltered
Soil texture: sand

loam

light clay

heavy clay

peat
Soil moisture: inundation

wet

moist

dry

drought
Groundwater level: very low

low

medium

high

very high
Soil acidity: very acid

acid

neutral

alkaline

very alkaline
Soil fertility: very rich

rich

average

poor

very poor

Voorkeur

Ongeschikt

Flowering and pollination

Flowering period (peak): mid june, end of june, end of july
Flowering period (length): month, several weeks
Pollination vector: insects, wind
Plant reproductive fertility: self sterile, sf, more harvest with cross-pollination

Life Span and Plant Health

Disease susceptibility

sensitive

Main serious pests and diseases

chestnut blight, ink disease, chestnut weevil, gnomoniopsis castanea, gall wasp

Harvest and Consumption

Nuts

Harvest location edible part: Ground layer
Harvesting period - start: Mid september, end of september, early october, mid october
Harvesting period - length: Month, several months, several weeks
Harvesting period - uniformity: Low
Suitable harvesting methods: Hand, mechanical
Form of consumption: Fresh, processed
Natural storability: Several days, several months, several weeks, varies per cultivar, week
Suitable markets: Bulk, niche
Productive life span - start (year) - minimum: 3
Productive life span - start (year) - minimum: 3
Productive life span - start (year) - minimum: 10
Productive life span - start (year) - maximum: 4
Productive life span - start (year) - maximum: 4
Productive life span - peak (year) - minimum: 15
Productive life span - peak (year) - minimum: 15
Productive life span - peak (year) - minimum: 30
Productive life span - peak (year) - maximum: 20
Productive life span - peak (year) - maximum: 20
Productive life span - peak (year) - maximum: 80
Productivity - start (kg) - minimum: 2
Productivity - start (kg) - minimum: 5
Productivity - start (kg) - maximum: 4
Productivity - start (kg) - maximum: 8
Productivity - peak (kg) - maximum: 37.5
Productivity - peak (kg) - maximum: 37.5

Culinary appreciation

Traditionally important as a staple crop in rural areas, historically seen as poor man's food. Now enjoying a revival and is highly valued in modern cuisine.

References