Chestnut

Chestnut (Castanea spp.) is a deciduous tree in the family Fagaceae grown for its edible seeds (nuts). The chestnut tree has a thick trunk covered in gray bark. The trunk has an erect growth habit and can grow 2 m (6.6 ft) in diameter. When the tree stands alone, the canopy can spread 15 m (49 ft) across and is made up of glossy leaves with serrated margins and pointed tips. The leaves are hairy with visible glands on the underside. The chestnut tree produces flowers on long catkins and the seeds are produced in clusters of 1–3. The seeds are covered by a thick, spiny bur which is approximately 10 cm (4 in) in diameter. The kernel within is protected by a thin, dark brown shell. Chestnut trees can reach 40–60 m (131–198 ft) in height and can live for in excess of 150 years. Chestnut may also be referred to by variety and includes European, American, Japanese and Spanish chestnut. The tree originates from Asia.

Chickpeas

Chickpeas mashed to a paste with lemon juice, olive oil, and sesame paste—is widely eaten as a sauce and dip for bread. Mashed cooked chickpeas are formed into small flat cakes or balls and fried for falafel, a popular Middle Eastern dish. In southern Europe and Latin America, chickpeas are a common ingredient in soups, salads, and stews. A kind of meal or flour is also made from chickpeas and can be used to make a flatbread known as socca or mixed with wheat or other flours for baking.