Q. I am a very keen consumer of chestnuts and was hoping you could assist me with a question. Are there any retail suppliers (located in Canberra, Australia) of chestnut cutters (chestnut knives), the 'Chestnutter' and/or chestnut roasters?  Alternatively, are you aware of any international suppliers of such products to the Australian market?  Thanks!  Shaz ACT.

A. Thank you for  your enquiry to Chestnuts Australia Inc.  John Kane who lives just out of Canberra at Hoskinstown sells chestnut cutting knives, I have one and it is great! His contact details are This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it   or phone 02 6238 2280.

I also purchased a roasting pan from Nick Angelucci at "BBQAroma"  http://members.iinet.com.au/~nickfish/chestnuts.html .

For other roasting pans in Australia try;

Scullerymade http://www.scullerymade.com.au

Essentail Ingredient http://www.theessentialingredient.com.au 

And for an electric equivalent which does an excellent job go to http://robinsonschestnuts.com/roaster.php

Another good website was http://www.spitjack.com  You can get gear sent to you from the US, they also sell the "chestnutter" cutter!  The chestnut gear is under Fireplace Items.

Q. Where can I buy chestnuts here in Brisbane. Cathy.

A. Thank you for your enquiry to Chestnuts Australia Inc.  The Australian season for fresh chestnut begins early March.  Fresh product is available through the Brisbane wholesale market.  Perhaps just ask your local green grocer to get some in for you?  Depending what you want to use them for ask for the sweet easy peeling varieties -  De Coppi Marrone/April Gold for roasting and perhaps the larger chestnut named Red Spanish for boiling and microwaving.

Q. Could you please let me know if Chestnuts are available in Sydney and if so where? are these nuts available at this time of year in Australia? Mary.

A. Thank you for your enquiry to Chestnuts Australia Inc.  Unfortunately fresh chestnuts are unavailable in Australia at this time of year, our season runs from March - May.  If you are looking for either chestnut flour, stuffing, pre mix cakes, puree or Australian frozen peeled chestnuts log onto http://www.cheznuts.com.au/ and you can purchase online.

Q. I am looking for a supplier of chestnut seeds to trial here on the New England. Can you recommend a producer that would have a few Kg of seed available for sale.  Phil.

A.  Seed is available in winter as fresh chestnuts.They must be hard and cold and kept cold for 6 to 8 weeks in a crisper ala plastic bag to prevent drying(stratification). Then planted out where ever. There are some chestnuts in Armadale area but I have no details.  The resulting seedlings will grow into fine ornamental trees with nuts, but not true to type and will have to be grafted to wanted varieties, if desired.  Like all fagacea, seed must not dry out and will not keep any length of time unless held at critical moisture and temp.  Germination from long term storage can be problematic.