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.
How to choose a good chestnut. From October to December, look for fresh chestnuts that are hard, shiny, unblemished, heavy for their size and do not rattle when shaken. Because they are highly perishable, refrigerate chestnuts in perforated plastic bags for up to one week.