Did You Know You Can Pick this Nut in New York?

There is no question that we have great farm markets in the Hudson Valley and throughout the year they offer us opportunities to "U-Pick" in other words pick our own.

It's starts early with strawberries, some have blueberries and then it is peaches and this time of year we head out for pumpkins and apples. Of course if you aren't ambitious you can also buy the ones that were "Picked 4 U".

You Can Pick More Than Apples in the Hudson Valley

We all have a place we like to go when it is Apple picking time. Some us have family traditions. You pile everyone in the car and head to the farm for an afternoon of Fall fun. This year when you head out keep this in mind, there are things besides apples in season that you can pick too.

It wasn't until I saw a post from Dressel Farms in New Paltz the home of delicious homemade ice cream that I realized you can pick Chestnut in the Hudson Valley. I think that is so cool. Am I the last to know this? I hadn't realized that any of our farm markets were growing Chestnuts for U-Pick fun.

SEE Also: New York Orchard Voted Best in the USA

If you want to get in on the U-Pick fun I would wait when it comes to the Chestnuts they might go fast. Check with your favorite farm and if they don't have them you can plan a trip New Paltz.

How to Roast Fresh Pick Hudson Valley Chestnut

I found this easy recipe from Jamie Oliver on YouTube.

And this recipe seems easy enough and has a handy hack for splitting the chestnut before cooking.

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