Tuesday, 21 September 2010

Almost Chestnut Season.

The chestnuts are now really beginning to swell, and the first few have already started dropping

I always look forward to the chestnut season; there's something so earthy about it. Strangely, I only ever eat about a dozen each year; usually boiled and lightly salted.

Up at José's new-ish plantation, the white net sheets are already stretched out ready to collect the nuts, and back at the farm his strange vacuuming machine (that he calls 'le diable') is being dusted down and serviced. For the next few weeks there will be only two subjects of conversation; chestnuts, and, hopefully, mushrooms.
Posted by Picasa
Posted by at

8 comments:

  1. Susan Heather21 September 2010 at 09:23

    Chestnut stuffing with the turkey was always delicious and they are lovely looking chestnuts.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Cro Magnon21 September 2010 at 09:32

    They're the best! I really ought to eat more of them.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Tess Kincaid21 September 2010 at 14:41

    They're beautiful. You know, I don't think I've ever seen them actually growing on a tree. The season is almost here for roasting them on an open fire!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Amy Saia21 September 2010 at 14:55

    They're trippy looking aren't they? To tell you the truth, I don't think I've eaten that many chestnuts. I'll have to try to find some at the store sometime.

    ReplyDelete
  5. T. 21 September 2010 at 15:40

    I can't abide the flavor of chestnuts, but mushroom! Bring them on!
    -
    I few years ago, I had an electrician/friend -- who also happened to be a mycologist -- doing some work outside my house. It was this time of the year, and she discovered a rare variety of wild 'shroom growing in my urban backyard, which we quickly sliced up and sauteed: heaven, and very much like an expensive cut of beef steak. I can't remember the name of them, although it sounded like the Latin for butterfly. Haven't seen those mysterious mushrooms since. (Maybe I dreamed it.) Alas.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Sue21 September 2010 at 16:25

    I've tried cooking with chestnuts but they are a devil to peel. I've tried all the tricks (like dipping them in boiling water and burning my fingers) but in the end I've decided it's just too much hassle. I'll just admire them in their natural state showing off their lovely rich colour in their green, spiky cases.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Cro Magnon21 September 2010 at 16:29

    Sue, I cut a small cross on the pointed end (a little like with sprouts), boil for about 10 mins, leave them to cool for a while, then they peel quite well. Usually the inner skin comes off as well!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Unknown21 September 2010 at 21:06

    Having first eaten them raw (on the bus coming home from school ~ and I only could ever get one peeled in the 20 minute ride) I think now I will try your recipie Cro...my childish way didn't taste very good.

    ReplyDelete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)
Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...