Sweet Chestnut

Castanea sativa

• A fab tree for the forager in Autumn, the nuts are dropped in abundance from mature trees, and are full of proteins and fats.
• Chestnuts are best known being sold in overpriced tiny cups by street vendors in cities around Christmas. But you can gather your own – they won’t be as large, but they are just as tasty and most importantly free.
• To cook your chestnuts remove the very spiky outer casing. Stab a hole in the shiny brown seed casing (otherwise they explode) and roast over a fire, push into the ash below a fire, boil, or even put in the microwave for a short time.
• Chestnut flour is a good alternative to wheat flour, and was used by Jon Lewis-Stempel in his year of eating only wild food.