Up to 4 billion chestnut trees fell victim in the 1930s and ’40s to a blight that erased the species from its native habitat. Some growers in Idaho have been working to bring it back. In a bid to revive an iconic American species, chestnut farmers are making strides in reintroducing disease-resistant strains of American chestnuts to their historic Eastern U.S. habitat as well as exploring new territories. One such remnant of this effort can be found in a commercial orchard near Nampa, Idaho, owned by farmer Paul.

Paul, along with numerous growers in the Northwest and Midwest regions, is committed to bringing back chestnut trees to the United States. However, this ambitious goal has been met with challenges. Despite a devastating freeze in 2016 that decimated a quarter of her orchard and inflicted heavy damage on the remaining trees, Paul’s perseverance has sparked hope for the revival of American chestnuts.

In 2016, Paul collected an impressive 4,000 pounds of nuts from her surviving stock, a stark contrast to the measly hundred pounds harvested the previous year. However, this year, Paul’s efforts have produced a bountiful harvest, with around 10,000 to 12,000 pounds of nuts collected. This accomplishment not only showcases the progress being made in chestnut revival but also provides a ray of hope for the future of chestnuts in Idaho.

With her abundance of chestnuts, Paul continues to sell them at local grocery stores such as the Boise Co-Op and Winco. Chestnut enthusiasts from all over Idaho and beyond have been eagerly savoring the unique and delectable flavor of fresh American chestnuts.

To prepare these culinary treasures, soaking them overnight and parboiling for five minutes is recommended. Afterward, transfer the chestnuts to the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 25-30 minutes. The shells come off effortlessly, revealing a smooth golden nut with a sweet, nutty flavor that satisfies with a satisfying crunch reminiscent of an oversized filbert.

“I recently purchased a batch of chestnuts from Paul’s orchard,” shared Peter of Treasure Idaho. “I followed Paul’s recommended preparation steps, and they were sweet and delicious. The shells came off with ease, making it a delightful experience.”

The return of chestnut orchards, like Paul’s, serves as a testament to the resilience and determination of farmers in Idaho, who strive to bring back this once-vibrant piece of American heritage. Whether consumed as a holiday treat or used in various culinary creations, American chestnuts are reclaiming their rightful place among Idaho’s treasures.

Discover the taste of homegrown chestnuts and support the revival of this iconic American species by visiting Paul’s orchard located at 16429 McDermott Rd. in Nampa, Idaho. Join the movement to bring back the chestnut legacy, one bite at a time.