CHESTNUT-ERASMUS+ FOR PROJECT
Collaborative dictionary of mythological plants
CHESTNUT TREE
CHESTNUT SHELL
CHESTNUT FRUIT
Scientific name: CHESTNUT
Genus: Castanea
Species: Eight or nine species:
Castanea alnifolia* –bush chinkapin
Castanea crenata –Japanese chestnutCastanea dentata –American chestnut
...
VULGAR NAME:
English: Chestnut
Basque: Gaztaina
Italian: Castagna
Greek: κάστανο
Morphological description
Uses, threats and singularity
Uses:
1) CULINARY
The fruit can be peeled and eaten raw, but it can be somewhat astringent (prevents infections wich is caused to vacteria and germs) , especially if the pellicle is not removed.
Another method of eating the fruit involves roasting, which does not require peeling. Roasting requires scoring the fruit beforehand to prevent explosion of the fruit due to expansion. Once cooked, its texture is slightly similar to that of a baked potato, with a delicate, sweet, and nutty flavour.This method of preparation is popular in northern China, Portugal, Spain, Turkey, Greece, Italy, France, Slovenia, Croatia, Korea, and Southeast Asia, where the scored chestnuts may be cooked mixed with a little sugar.
Chestnuts can be dried and milled into flour, which can then be used to prepare breads, cakes, pancakes, pastas or used as thickener for stews, soups, and sauces. Chestnut flavors vary slightly from one species to the next and can vary with growing conditions, but in general the flavor is somewhat sweet and certainly unique.Chestnut-based recipes and preparations are making a comeback in Italian cuisine, as part of the trend toward rediscovery of traditional dishes and better nutrition.
2) Animal fodder and litter
Chestnuts are often added to animal fodder. A first soak in limewater removes their bitter flavour, then they are ground and mixed with the ordinary provender. Other methods of preparation are also used. It is given to horses and cattle in the Orient, and to pigs in England, France and other places. Sheep pop the chestnuts out with their hooves, when in pastures containing the trees. The leaves are not as prone to be insect-eaten as those of the oak, and are also used for fodder.
SYMBOLIC MEANINGS OF CHESTNUT
Chestnut symbolic meanings have their place in dream interpretation:
If you are dreaming of picking chestnuts off the ground it is a message that you have shared trust in your love life. If you are picking the chestnuts off the tree, however, it is a sign of infidelity.
If you're dreaming that you are observing a bunch of chestnuts it is indicative of prosperous business opportunities.
Dreaming of sitting under a chestnut tree is symbolic of happy times on the horizon after enduring a spell of dissatisfaction.
When our minds continually encounter the chestnut, we may want to ask ourselves the following questions:
- Have I properly planned for my goals?
- Do I have the provisions to meet my needs or obtaining my desires?
- Am I letting in enough nutrients (physical/spiritual/mental/emotional) into my life, or am I neglecting these aspects?
- Am I prepared for the challenges ahead?
- Am I giving thanks for all that I have available to me now?