Pumpkin Center, Kern County, California. This article is about the unincorporated community in Kern County. For the unincorporated community in Lassen County, see Pumpkin Center, Lassen County, California.
Harvesting Chestnut Trees. After the chestnuts fall from the tree, watch for the spiny burs to split. Donât harvest chestnuts if the burs are still green and closed because the nuts inside will be unripe. Harvest the nuts every couple of days.
Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F. Wipe the chestnuts off with a damp towel and set them on a cutting board, flat side down. With a small, sharp knife cut an X in each chestnut. (There are special chestnut-X-cutting knives that you can buy â see comments below.he secret is to cut the X on the chestnuts, then BOIL them (in unsalted water) for about 15-20 min. Drain and let them cool. Thatâs it youâre done! If you like you can broil them for a few min to give them the âroasted lookâ like the vendors do. If you try this method, the proof is in the pudding.