Allen,
If you are referring to Castania sativa (Sweet or Spanish Chestnut) then the following is true (for
me and many other beekeepers in France)!
The tree flowers here for approx. 2 to 3 weeks, from 2nd. week in June (Central France)
It produces vast amounts of primrose yellow pollen, having a slightly "oily" feel to it.
During the flowering period, the woodland/ forest area has an over-whelming smell originating from
the flowers - typical of the tree.
Bees work the source (both pollen and nectar) with great vigour - collecting large quantities of
both. This means that plenty of spare space is required in the hive.
Flow appears to be checked by cool, damp weather.
Honey resulting from this flow is golden yellow when viewed through but when placed in barrels it
has a very deep brown colour.
Liquid for a month or two, after which it granulates with very coarse grain.
Easy to re-liquify.
Taste - strong nutty, with slight bitter after taste - most pleasant (IMHO).
Pollination by honey bees: As the trees are present in their natural environment (France), dedicated
pollination is not required to obtain "seed" crop. But, I would not be surprised if by the placing
of hives that there would be an increase in "seed" quality.
Here, the honey obtained is considered as a prime type - being harvested as a "Single flower source
honey".
Beware: Due to its powerful taste and smell, any chestnut honey will dominate if present and
extracted with other honeys.
Older beekeepers here often mix 3kg. of Chestnut with 300kg. of Sunflower - to "lift" the taste of
the latter.

Regards
Peter

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