Description :
This radio episode, produced by Radio País, is part of the European project Tramontana Network (Réseau Tramontana / Rede Tramontana), co-funded by the European Union. The program explores traditional food systems and cultural heritage in rural mountain regions, focusing here on the Basque Country and neighboring areas, through a discussion on the historical, social, and ecological role of the chestnut tree.
The conversation highlights the chestnut as a foundational food in several European regions such as Corsica, the Cévennes, and Ardèche, where it once formed the basis of entire local societies. Beyond being a food source, chestnut cultivation shaped landscapes, work rhythms, and social organization. It required seasonal labor concentrated around harvesting and processing, yet allowed communities to sustain themselves for much of the year, making it a cornerstone of what some describe as a “chestnut civilization.”
The episode also explores the diverse uses of chestnuts, from fresh consumption to drying, flour production, bread, and traditional dishes like polenta made from chestnut flour. Rich in nutrients, including vitamin C, chestnuts were historically important even for preventing diseases such as scurvy. The discussion further reflects on the decline of chestnut-based economies due to climatic events, agricultural changes, diseases, and shifting economic priorities, while noting a recent revival through artisanal products and renewed cultural interest.