Bladdernut

Staphylea pinnata

nuts & seeds

Round, hard seeds tasting of pistachio, eaten fresh or roasted; an oil was also pressed from them.

Origin

Central Europe and the Caucasus

Where to find it

In open woods and limestone ravines of Central Europe, from Alsace to Hungary; it is also planted in parks.

Season (United States)

September to October

Preparation

The bladder is opened to take out the seeds, whose hard shell is cracked; the kernel is eaten raw or roasted.

Molecules

In small amounts, not counted Magnesium · Insoluble fibers · Protein

Did you know?

Its fruits, swollen like bladders, pop between the fingers: hence its English name, “bladdernut”.