Foraging for Chestnuts

What you get in return of your sustainable action:

If you want to collect your own chestnuts, head into the forests and gather the chestnuts that litter the forest floor. Don’t forget an empty backpack! Be careful not to mix them up with horse chestnuts (conkers), which are inedible. The sweet chestnut, safe to eat, comes in a spiny husk that can hurt when touched. Availability: Chestnuts can be found in many forested areas throughout Ticino during October and November, especially in designated chestnut woods. These areas are often publicly accessible, allowing individuals to forage freely. Collection Centers: In addition to wild collection, there are centers in towns like Cadenazzo, Muzzano, Stabio, and Biasca, where people can bring their gathered chestnuts for rewards or community activities related to harvesting. Guided Trails: Specific trails, such as the Chestnut Trail in Arosio, guide visitors through chestnut woods, making it easier to find and collect chestnuts while enjoying the scenery. Foraging encourages eating seasonal, fresh foods, which generally have a lower environmental impact compared to out-of-season or processed alternatives.