Chestnut Marlhac - Castanea sativa

The 'Marlhac' Chestnut tree, a majestic tall tree, is a creation of INRA. It comes from the cross-breeding between a European chestnut tree ('Laguépie' Chestnut) and a Japanese chestnut tree (Castanea crenata), which gives it good vigour, abundant production of large fruits, and excellent disease resistance. Its flowering is highly appreciated by apiarists as it produces a highly sought-after honey that does not crystallise. In September, this variety produces triangular-shaped chestnuts with a mahogany colour, sweet flesh that peels easily, and good storage capacity. The harvest of chestnuts is a real pleasure for various culinary uses. The 'Marlhac' Chestnut tree, sensitive to cold, will particularly thrive in the southwest of the continent, in acidic and well-drained soil.

Originally from the Caucasus and introduced to Western Europe by the Romans, the Chestnut tree (Castanea sativa) is very common in the southern and southwestern regions, as well as in Corsica. It can also be found quite regularly on the atlantic coast, as it avoids geographical areas with limestone or clay soils. The chestnut tree belongs to the Fagaceae family. It is a majestic tree that can reach a height of 20 to 30 metres (66 to 98 feet) and can live for more than 1000 years. The lanceolate and toothed leaves, 15 to 25 cm (6 to 10in) long, are dark green and shiny on the upper side and matte green on the underside, revealing prominent veins. The foliage takes on autumnal hues ranging from yellow to reddish-brown before falling. The Chestnut tree is a monoecious tree, flowering occurs in June-July with female flowers grouped in cups and male flowers grouped in long cylindrical yellow catkins. The flowers, which are very rich in nectar, are pollinated by the wind and insects, especially bees that gather nectar from them. The fruits, which are inserted in pairs or threes in a spiky bur, reach maturity in September-October. A Chestnut tree produces 70 to 100 kg of chestnuts per year. When ripe, the fruits fall to the ground, making them easy to harvest. It is advisable to wear protective gloves when removing the chestnuts from their bur. The chestnut tree belongs to the category of shell fruits like almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts, and pecans.

The 'Marlhac' Chestnut tree is a semi-early variety and takes some time to bear fruit (4 to 5 years). In September, it produces large-sized (20 to 25 grams), triangular-shaped chestnuts with a mahogany colour, floury and sweet flesh, and a woody flavour. These chestnuts store quite well and are very easy to peel. This variety is resistant to leaf rust, ink disease (Phytophthora root rot), bark canker, and other diseases.

Chestnuts are considered a starchy fruit. They are high in calories, rich in carbohydrates, vitamin B, and dietary fibre, and they contain gluten-free proteins. For a cozy pleasure by the fire, they can be roasted in a perforated pan. Cooked, they can be enjoyed plain, in soups, or pureed. In sweet versions, they can be used to make chestnut cream or candied chestnuts. As chestnut jam, they are perfect for spreading on a crepe or sweetening yogurt. Blanched, candied, or braised, the well-peeled chestnut accompanies savory dishes nicely.

The 'Marlhac' Castanea sativa is a majestic tree, so it is important to choose a suitable space for it. To improve fruiting, this tree needs to be in close proximity to other chestnut trees for better cross-pollination.