The imported nut is actually called European chestnut (Castanea vulgaris).
But did you know that the Philippines has its own chestnut?
Scientifically known as castanopsis philippinensis, it is commonly called "kastanias" by Ilocanos of Nueva Viscaya and "talakatak" by the Tagalogs of Quezon province.
Like the European chestnut, the Philippine "kastanias" also belongs to the Pagacease family. A large tree, it reaches a height of 28 meters and has a diameter of 100 centimeters. Its leaves are alternate, smooth, pointed at both ends, and measures four to 14 cm long.
The local "kastanias" fruit contains an edible, oblong nut which is 3.5 cm long, according to Dr. Merilyn Rondolo of the Los Baños-based Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCARRD).
Its mature fruits are available during the rainy season (September to December) in Quezon and Nueva Ecija. It is endemic or could be found only in Luzon, Samar, Leyte, and Basilan. – RAF