We have had to wait until the end of October for the air to feel cooler, rain to fall from time to time, the leaves on the trees to start rustling on the ground, and the aroma of roasting chestnuts to permeate the streets. However, instead of limiting oneself to the few stalls that survive in the capital, there is the option of picking the fruit directly. The Community of Madrid, with its vast forest landscapes, has the perfect settings to honor this autumn tradition.
To find chestnut forests, in which to take a walk immersed in nature and finish a basket full, it is necessary to head towards the northwest of the region. In that direction, the trees become denser and the chestnut trees grow vigorously, which is another excuse to get away from the capital and venture into the mountains.
Which are the best forests for chestnut gathering?
The main search area is located in the Sierra de Guadarrama. Although exhaustive collection is discouraged in the National Park, the environment surrounding the Tiétar Valley is the ideal area for this activity.
The Bosque de la Herrería, adjacent to San Lorenzo de El Escorial, is a popular spot at this time of year. Its well-kept trails and its proximity to the emblematic Monastery make it a classic getaway and it is usually crowded and parking is scarce, so it is recommended to go early and take advantage of a short walk to the Silla de Felipe II.
Another municipality known for its chestnut trees is Rozas de Puerto Real, an area bordering Ávila, which is home to the largest chestnut grove in the Community of Madrid. It is a place where the tradition of harvesting is deeply rooted, because it is an area with a lot of humidity, which is essential for this type of tree to grow. Its extension attracts year after year numerous collectors, although it is always reminded of the need not to overdo it collecting chestnuts.
Nearby is also Cadalso de los Vidrios, known for its winemaking tradition, and also distinguished by its mountains populated by chestnut trees. The routes that depart from the town towards the mountains have considerable opportunities to find the fruit, being a privileged destination in the autumn season.
Nor should one ignore the Lozoya Valley in the northern part of the region, beyond its reservoir and its impressive surroundings, it is possible to discover less traveled corners where these monumental trees await.
How do you identify the edible chestnut and what is the harvesting method?
Not all chestnuts are suitable for consumption. It is necessary to look for fallen chestnut hedgehogs with a light brown hue, which indicates that the fruit has reached its optimum ripening point. It is important to note that hedgehogs have a remarkable sharpness, so gloves of thick material are considered the essential accessory to avoid punctures.
For transport, the use of a wicker basket or a natural woven sack is recommended. This type of container allows the fruits to be ventilated, preserving their freshness until they are roasted or cooked. And, of course, civility is a must: only the necessary amount should be collected, leaving the surplus for the local fauna and other enthusiasts to enjoy the forest’s gift.
When is it illegal to collect chestnuts?
It is crucial to know the limits. The activity becomes illegal when it is carried out on private farms without the explicit permission of the owners. Similarly, collection for commercial purposes is strictly forbidden; only domestic and subsistence collection is allowed, with the weight limit usually regulated by local authorities (often not exceeding 5 kg per person). In addition, harvesting is forbidden in areas catalogued as Integral Nature Reserves or Special Protection Areas (except for specific permits), and the action of damaging the tree to cause the fruit to fall is penalized.