Written by: David McLaren (1999)
Source: The Chestnut Growers Information Book
There are approximately 340 chestnut growers in Australia producing around 1,200 tonnes of chestnuts annually. 80% of this crop is produced in north-east Victoria. Chestnuts are sold in the domestic fresh fruit market. It is expected production will increase considerably in the next 10 years as large numbers of trees have been planted in the last 15 years.
The chestnut (Castanea) belongs to the Fagaceae family which includes oak and beech trees. There are four main varieties: Castane Sativa (European chestnut)
Castanea Mollissima (Chinese chestnut)
Castanea Crenata (Japanese chestnut)
Castanea Dentata (American chestnut) Whilst by far the most common variety in Australia is the European chestnut, there are small numbers of the other varieties, as well as some hybrids. Industry Links http://www.horticulture.com.au/
http://www.chestnutcoop.net/
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