Spring time at Ruefleur

Sunshine bursts through the greyness of a long cold winter in the mountains and nature begins her sojourn into Spring. Bare chestnut trees, surrounded by acres of golden daffodils, wait to begin another season. We wait in anticipation to see what this year heralds.

Forming chestnuts

The small burrs continue to form, nourished by rich mountain soil, sunshine & rain

View of the Ruefleur orchard

We are open by appointment only for u-pick and purchase during April, depending on length of season and stock availability

The Beginning..

In December catkins form on the trees to be pollinated by insects & the wind. Male (staminate) catkins form on the lower parts of the shoot and the female (pistillate) flowers are found toward the tip of the shoot. The pollinated flowers eventually fall and the chestnuts slowly form. Each burr usually bears three flowers and may yield three nuts.

Ready at last

Another view of the orchard..

100 chestnut trees in all

Burr Formation

Pollination (i.e. burr formation) is affected by a number of factors. Weather is critical. If it's too damp the catkin grains may clump together, become heavy and not travel as far as they might otherwise, resulting in a low yield.

The finished product

Mother Nature at her best! Glossy, fresh chestnuts ready to prepare & cook a healthy tasty treat.

Enjoy!