The Chestnut Rabbit Hole

CL, your story of chestnut soap sent me down the Google rabbit hole.

First, I searched Whidbey Island. What a gorgeous place! I’d warmly welcome photo essays of your beautiful location if you are so inclined.

Second, I searched for more information on chestnuts. I know they grow in my area of Florida but couldn’t locate a tree if my life depended on it. I read about the chestnut blight of 1904 that killed almost every tree in the U.S., and I remembered hearing about that from a local farmer, long since deceased, who remembered the blight killing all his father’s chestnut trees. And, I learned that the U.S. is one of the few countries in the world that can grow chestnuts but has a very small chestnut industry. We actually import most of the nuts sold here. Sad, really.

I vaguely remember someone in my childhood - can’t recall who - serving chestnut dressing with Thanksgiving turkey. I don’t recall ever eating chestnuts in any other fashion.

Now, I know they can be used to make soap! This has been a very educational morning.

Next, I plan to be on the lookout for chestnuts on my walks and when I go on photography road trips with my friend Gina - such as the one we are taking today. Surely, I can find a chestnut tree somewhere around here.

Thanks for this enlightening rabbit hole experience, CL.