No
need to wait until the holiday season to enjoy roasted chestnuts
by
Jamie Floyd, posted Oct. 10, 2007
The fifth annual Missouri Chestnut
Roast will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct.
13, 2007, at the Horticulture and Agroforestry Research Center
in New Franklin, Mo. Admission and parking are free. This
family-oriented event is an opportunity for Missourians to
learn about locally grown chestnuts and other agricultural
commodities along with the products that can be made from
these items.
The Missouri Chestnut Roast increases the
marketing and production of various nut products, sheds light
on the Missouri agriculture industry, educates the public
and landowners about agroforestry and promotes the nutritional
value of nuts, according to the MU Center for Agroforestry
Web site.
“The roast is a celebration of agricultural
specialty crops in the state,” said Michelle Hill, senior
information specialist at the MU Center for Agroforestry.
“Booths of Missouri agricultural products such as cheese,
wine, honey, meats and nuts bring buyers and sellers together.
And information about crops such as chestnuts helps landowners
understand how diversifying their farm can increase their
income.”
A variety of activities will take place throughout the day. The MU Raptor Rehabilitation Project will have
presentations, and music will be provided by the Ironweed Bluegrass
Band. Informational talks about the 1819 Thomas Hickman House,
guided bus tours of the farm and guided walking tours of the
surrounding research areas will be available to the public.
Booths, which will feature local products including meat,
cheese, honey, wine, nut products and tomato products, will
have products available for sampling and purchase. Children’s
activities located around the farm include a straw bale maze,
face painting, book readings and a chestnut-themed craft.
Hill said MU students can also benefit from
attending the chestnut roast.
“The event will introduce students to
roasted chestnuts, which many have never tried,” Hill
said.
Hill advises students to bring along a few
dollars for lunch and so they can take home some of their
favorite products.
For more information and a schedule, please
visit the Missouri Agroforestry site.
