Chinese Chestnut as a Niche Crop

Chinese chestnut (Castanea mollissima Bl.) is an exotic species that has potential as a niche crop.  As a “nut” crop, it is relatively precocious in its bearing habit and has resistance to chestnut blight, tolerance to low winter temperatures, and relatively few pests.  Current prices for fresh chestnuts are as much as $11/ kg.  Most chestnut growers (64%) have small orchards (< 4 ha) and have been producing this crop for less than 10 years. Commercial production is low (≈680,000 kg), but the industry is just beginning in the United States.  Limitations to growing this crop include limited availability of grafted trees, high tree costs, low yield efficiency, and high labor costs due to limited large-scale harvest equipment in the U.S.  However, on-going research utilizing cultivars on dwarfing rootstocks, thinning of secondary flowers, and improved tree nutrition will likely enhance profitability of production.  In a 2003 survey, 67% of those interviewed had never consumed Chinese chestnuts, but associated chestnut roasting with holidays.  Chestnuts provide health benefits including a source of fiber, a significant amount of vitamin C, no cholesterol, and are gluten-free.