Autumn is the time when chestnuts come into season and there’s nothing quite like the smell of a batch roasting in the oven. Instead of spending the weekend shut up indoors, try chesnut picking to get active and make the most of the mild weather. You’ll also be rewarded with a delicious treat at the end.
The
Ruefleur Orchard in the Dandenongs Ranges has around 100 mature chestnut trees which are available for picking in April and May. The orchards are open seven days a week from 10am to 4pm and an appointment must be made beforehand via
phone. Located about an hour’s drive from Melbourne in the Dandenong ranges, the orchards are also located close by
Olinda with its many popular shops and cafes. Parking is available on site.
It’s essential to bring your own thick rubber gloves as the chestnuts are encased in a prickly outer husk which falls to the ground when chestnuts become ripe. There are plenty scattered along the ground and the picking itself is relatively easy. It's also a good idea to bring plastic bags and wear sturdy waterproof shoes in case of rain and mud.
If you’re not content with chestnuts alone the Ruefleur Orchard also sells a wide range of home made
products such as jams, honey and organic chestnut flour. Buying from the orchards means you are guaranteed freshness and a high quality product as opposed to buying from the supermarkets.
Once you get home you can kick back and enjoy what you’ve picked yourself. Chestnuts are particularly versatile and easy to cook; they can be baked, fried, boiled and even made into soups. You can see some great
recipes on the website or even invent your own warming Autumn dish.
