Royal British Estate Sweet Chestnut
The Sweet Chestnut Tree (Castanea sativa) is a deciduous broadleaf tree native to southern Europe, western Asia, and north Africa. The Romans ground sweet chestnuts into flour, so it was probably introduced when England was under Roman rule and has since been naturalized on the island. Sweet Chestnut thrives in warm conditions and is, therefore, more prevalent in southern England where it is often grown in groves so it can be coppiced for poles. It is occasionally found in natural woodlands but is most often planted in parks and estates, such as the Queen's Country Estate in Norfolk.
The chestnuts themselves are edible and are a food source for both wildlife and humans. The nuts can be roasted and used in a variety of ways, including holiday stuffing. Sweet chestnut timber is similar to oak but is more lightweight and easier to work. It has a straight grain when young but this spirals in older trees. (Trees can live up to 700 years). Today, the wood is most often used for carpentry, joinery, and furniture.
The Sandringham Sweet Chestnut blanks you will receive has fairly straight grain, and light tan in coloring. They were taken from the Sweet Chestnut Tree trimmings directly from the gardens of the estate.
The blanks are just shy of 7/8" square x 5" in length.
Imported from England.
