Castanea sativa Marsol - Chestnut

The 'Marsol' Chestnut Tree (In Vitro), with its Latin name Castanea sativa, is a majestic tree of great size. This INRA creation results from natural hybridisation between a European chestnut tree (Castanea sativa) and a Japanese chestnut tree (Castanea crénata). It has the advantage of being highly resistant to leaf rust and canker. However, it is susceptible to chestnut gall wasps. The flowering, which is melliferous, is followed by the formation of large-sized chestnuts with a shiny mahogany colour and sweet flesh. They are harvested in October and store well. The chestnut, considered a starchy food, can be used in various culinary preparations. This 'Marsol' variety requires sunlight to produce tasty fruits and is suitable for cultivation in a warmer climate. It prefers acidic soil (without limestone) that is well-drained.

Originally from the Caucasus and introduced to Western Europe by the Romans, the Chestnut Tree is very common in the southern and southwestern regions of France and Corsica. Despite its good hardiness, it can be sensitive to late frosts, which hinder the proper development of buds that sprout too early in spring. This tree belongs to the Fagaceae family. It can reach 20 to 30 metres high and can live for over 1000 years. Its lanceolate and toothed leaves, 15 to 25 cm long, are dark green and shiny on the upper side and matte green on the underside, with prominent veins. The foliage takes on autumnal colours ranging from yellow to reddish-brown before falling. The chestnut tree is monoecious; flowering occurs in June-July, with female flowers grouped in cups and male flowers grouped in long cylindrical catkins of golden yellow. Fertilisation is carried out by wind and insects, especially bees that gather nectar. Then, the fruits, inserted in pairs or threes, develop in a spiky shell and reach maturity in September-October. The fruits, 2 to 3 cm in diameter, are commonly called chestnuts or chestnuts. They should not be confused with the fruits of the Horse Chestnut tree (Aesculus hippocastanum), which are not edible. 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 to remove the chestnuts from their shell. The chestnut tree belongs to nuts like almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts, and pecans.

The 'Marsol' Chestnut Tree is a variety of medium vigour, semi-early to semi-late, and bears fruit quickly (3 to 4 years). This variety is compatible with all others to ensure pollination. In early October, it produces large-sized chestnuts (20 to 25 grams) with a mahogany colour, triangular to elliptical-triangular shape, floury and sweet flesh, and a woody flavour. They are consumed cooked and are very easy to peel. They should be kept in a dry and well-ventilated place to store them. Chestnuts are high in calories and rich in carbohydrates, vitamin B, and fibre, mainly containing gluten-free proteins. They can be roasted in a perforated pan for shared pleasure by the fireside. When cooked, they can be enjoyed plain, in soups and veloutés. In sweet preparations, they can be used to make chestnut cream or candied chestnuts. As chestnut jam, they are ideal for spreading on a crepe or sweetening yoghurt. Blanched, candied, or braised, well-peeled chestnuts are a pleasant accompaniment to savoury dishes. When combined with wheat flour, chestnut flour can be used to make bread or cakes; when combined with rice or corn flour, it produces a gluten-free dough.

Castanea sativa 'Marsol' is a large tree suitable for spacious gardens, large orchards, or parks. Bees highly appreciate the chestnut tree's flowering, as it produces honey rich in vitamins B and C, minerals, and trace elements (iron, potassium, magnesium, etc.). This honey, rich in tannins, does not crystallise because it is low in acidity.

The 'Marsol' Chestnut Tree that we sell is produced in vitro, a valuable technique for preserving genetic material and multiplying plants in trees that are often prone to diseases.