183: Why Are we NOT Roasting Chestnuts Anymore?
Elspeth dives into the surprisingly sexy world of nuts and trees, unpacking the botanical definition of nuts while highlighting the ecological power of oaks as keystone species. She gets detailed with acorns—flour, starch, oil, and even liqueur—exploring their culinary versatility and cultural history. The conversation branches out into the rise and fall of the American chestnut, hybridization efforts, and the sometimes steamy dynamics of forest management, from masting events where trees “all go at once” to indigenous fire practices that keep ecosystems in balance. We reveal how mixed forests and diverse diets are not only good for the planet but also downright irresistible, leaving listeners nutty for more.
