Sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa) trees were originally native to Asia minor and Northern Africa, now they are spread all over the Mediterranean and sheltered areas of central Europe, in Germany along the Rhine area and also in northern France. The edible nuts were used to make flour in southern countries as they were eaten roasted in the winter months, they are called Maroni then. The valuable wood has light to dark brown colour, hard to tell from oak. It is very strong yet flexible and only medium heavy. Low shrinkage combined with high durability against rot and wet conditions made it a traditionally highly esteemed wood for casks and barrels for storing wine and olive oil and to age balsamic vinegar.
