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.
Whole chestnuts can be eaten raw, baked, boiled or roasted. Use a sharp knife or chestnut knife to peel and eat them raw, or score an X with the knife deep through the outer shell, then roast at 400 degrees for 10 minutes or until the cut edges peel back. Peel the rest of the shell off and you are ready to discover the the wonderful flavor of the chestnut.