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Post by Rosefriend on Nov 17, 2016 13:21:41 GMT
Barbara, Jilly, Tig, stevemc, owdboggy, andy, maggy, Ron, Ladygardener, bagpuss, Amber, Dutchy, isabella, Geranium, Jasmine, Chuckles, theinsidegardener, scarecrow, farmersboy, Auricula, fozzie, maglonian, MissredheadHad a mail from Oldmoleskins and he has some magnificent and very old sweet chestnut trees at Burlingham Hall and normally the chestnuts are a waste of time. He says that for some reason this year they are very big, tasty and well worth collecting and eating. He was wondering " what is that then in the annals of country lore? Anyone on GWD reported exceptional chestnuts?" I said that I would certainly ask - I know the acorns here this year are very large. The old saying here is that it will be a hard winter but I feel that it could possibly just be exactly the right conditions at the right time...dunno - any ideas, lovely people ??
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Post by Ron on Nov 17, 2016 13:38:09 GMT
Don't know any folklore, I'm afraid, but I do know they made flour from them in the middle ages. It was the staple diet of much of the population, so they would have been happy with such a harvest.
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Post by Tig on Nov 17, 2016 16:50:21 GMT
I am not keen, but OH loves them.
A quick google suggests that the first ones to fall in September are not worth eating as they are not fully ripe, better waiting until late October for a better taste. Perhaps OM has just picked early ones in previous years?
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Post by Ladygardener on Nov 18, 2016 6:20:23 GMT
I'm not keen on chestnuts either Rosefriend and have no real experience of them sorry. By the way, the tagging did'nt work on all the names in your post so most people may not have seen this post. |
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Post by maggy on Nov 18, 2016 7:55:41 GMT
It could be down to the amount of rain at the right time, I have trouble shelling them O.H loves them. I know the walnuts my daughter has brought me from her tree in France are tiny this year I'm thinking that is probably down to the fact the tree needs desperately pruning.
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Post by Rosefriend on Nov 18, 2016 8:02:04 GMT
I'm not keen on chestnuts either Rosefriend and have no real experience of them sorry. By the way, the tagging did'nt work on all the names in your post so most people may not have seen this post. Thanks Ladygardener, - I c/pasted instead of quoting!! |
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Post by Dutchy on Nov 18, 2016 9:50:36 GMT
In the Netherlands we call that a Mast year. When all plants from one species provide oodles of fruits. In general nut trees.
The walnuts did well this year and the Oak but my hazel did not do that much but others did very well. No chestnuts around so I haven't a clue
These Mast year have approximately a 9 year sequence and nought to do with folklore.
In general it is a good time to rejuvenate the plants as the next year they will not give that much fruit at all.
It also causes an explosion of youngsters with the wild animals and it means next years hunting is loads better than before.
Providing you hunt....
Cheers and say hello for me to OM
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