Prickly shell, soft centre!
The fruits of the chestnut trees are affectionately called ‘Keschde’ by us Palatines.
Chestnuts were cultivated in the Caspian Sea region between the 9th and 7th centuries BC and - like wine and many other things - were once planted by the Romans along the Rhine. Today they grow in our Palatinate Forest, right next to the German Wine Route.
Chestnut trees grow to an average height of 25 metres and can reach a diameter of up to 4 metres. Here they can live up to 200 years.
The fruits are dark brown, prickly nuts. They are surrounded by a green, prickly fruit cup, which turns yellow-brown in colour when ripe.
Between September and November, the fruits are ripe and fall from the trees, partly in the fruit cup, partly without. This is the time when Locals and foreigners flock to the Palatinate Forest to collect the coveted fruit.
As many Keschde fall from the tree with fruit cups, you have to deal with the defence spines for better or worse in order to get to the fruit. This inevitably leads to unpleasant splinters, which can also cause pain when they are removed.
Chestnuts are often enjoyed roasted as a snack, especially at markets and fairs. But they can also be boiled or used as an ingredient in savoury dishes and desserts - the possibilities are endless.
Keschde are either boiled in salted water or roasted in the oven. The tough skin must then be removed and they can be enjoyed. Keschde are also made into flour, vegetables, puree, mustard and pesto. Bees conjure up honey from the pollen.
Various events and festivals are also organised in the Palatinate that are all about chestnuts (website German only). The many chestnut groves also contribute to the beautiful landscape of the region