Sign up HERE to receive 2024 harvest notifications
Chestnut FAQ'S
Is there a difference between chestnuts, horse chestnuts, and water chestnuts?
​
Yes! Our chestnuts are the starchy seeds, or nuts, of the chestnut tree (Castanea). Because of their appearance, they're often confused with horsechestnuts and their cousin, the buckeye; horsechestnuts, however, are very bitter and are therefore considered toxic. Water chestnuts, used in many oriental dishes, are actually a type of aquatic vegetable commercially grown in warm Asian climates and are not to be confused with true chestnuts either.
​
​
Why Chinese chestnuts?
​
Learn about the history of American chestnuts in the U.S. and see why Chinese chestnuts are the most commercially relevant option today.
Can chestnuts be eaten raw?
​
High concentrations of tannic acid in chestnuts can cause stomach irritation and even liver or kidney damage. To avoid digestive problems, chestnuts should typically be roasted or boiled before eating.
​
​
How do chestnuts compare to other nuts?
​
In contrast to other nuts, the chestnut's meat is soft and starchy and more grain-like than traditional nuts that contain higher fat and oil contents. Other nuts have their own sets of nutrients and health benefits, but none are as nutrient-dense as the chestnut.
Why do you only ship on Mondays and Tuesdays?
​
Once harvested, chestnuts must be kept very cool and moist to prevent spoilage; that said, it's important that chestnuts not be caught in the mail system over the course of a weekend. By shipping early in the week, we can be certain that your chestnuts will arrive the same week and you will receive the freshest product possible.