There’s something magical about Autumn: the crisp air, the golden leaves, and that irresistible scent of chestnuts roasting. I’ve got a stash of freshly foraged chestnuts, and I want to take you step by step — from harvesting to roasting — so you can taste the season in your own kitchen.
Why Chestnuts Belong to Your Autumn Rituals
Sweet chestnuts (Castanea sativa) might not be the flashiest nut, but in the UK, they’ve been quietly thriving for centuries. These trees can live up to 700 years and reach 35 m in height. They were likely introduced to Britain by the Romans and now flourish in woodlands, parks, and even urban green spaces. UK-grown chestnuts tend to be smaller and more delicate due to our cooler climate — that’s what makes foraging them so special.
Foraging: When, Where & How to Find the Good Ones
🗓 Timing & Conditions
• Peak foraging window in the UK: October into November.
• After windy or rainy days is ideal — the bumps knock ripe nuts to the ground.
• Look for the outer spiky husks to begin splitting open, revealing nuts inside.
📍 Where to Look
• Mixed deciduous woodlands, old estates, and large gardens with mature chestnut trees.
• In cities like London, look in parks such as Richmond or Wanstead Park — though forage ethically.
• Always stay on public footpaths or get permission from landowners.
🧤 Harvest Tips & Safety
• Wear thick gloves — those spiky burrs are painful.
• Choose nuts that have fallen naturally with open husks.
• Step gently or squeeze the burrs to open them.
• Avoid soft, mouldy, or holed nuts.
From Raw Nut to Roasted Magic: Your Cooking Guide
1. Rinse & sort — wash your nuts and discard any bad ones.
2. Score the shell — make an X or slit in the flat side to let steam escape.
3. Soak (optional) — soak 30–60 minutes to soften shells and ease peeling.
4. Roast in oven — 200 °C (fan) for 20–30 mins until shells crack.
5. Steam & peel — wrap in a towel, steam 5–10 mins, peel while warm.
6. Use or store — eat fresh, freeze, or keep 2–3 days in fridge.
Air Fryer Method (Quick & Foolproof)
If you have an air fryer, it’s one of the easiest and quickest ways to roast chestnuts!
1. Preheat your air fryer to 170 °C.
2. Place the scored chestnuts in a single layer in the basket.
3. Cook for 15-17 minutes, shaking halfway through.
4. When the shells have peeled back and the nuts are golden, remove and wrap in a towel for 5 minutes to steam.
5. Peel while warm and enjoy — perfect for cosy evenings or festive gatherings.
Recipe Ideas with Your Harvest
• Simple roasted chestnuts — enjoy as they are.
• Chestnut & mushroom risotto — creamy and rustic.
• Chestnut soup — with leeks, stock, and herbs.
• Chestnut stuffing — perfect for freezing in time for Christmas
• Chestnut desserts — purée, cakes, or chestnut flour bakes.
My Personal Reflections
I love foraging chestnuts because it reconnects me to nature and seasonality. The crunch of the shell splitting under my glove, the scent wafting through the kitchen, and the satisfaction of turning what the forest gives me into something nourishing — it’s the kind of alchemy I live for.
Chestnuts are high in complex carbs and fibre, low in fat, and easy to digest — great for gut and hormone health. But, like all wild foods, balance is key: enjoy them roasted and in moderation.