COMMENTS ON THE CHINESE CHESTNUT 
_.The Chinese chestnut was first introduced about 
the turn of the Century by the U. S. Department of 
Agriculture and later introductions have been made by 
the same agency. Through years of testing, the species 
has been proven to be blight resistant, healthy, and 
productive of nuts of excellent size and quality. Some 
believe the nut is even superior to the American chest- 
nut which was such a popular delight of the holiday 
season each fall. Culinary uses in chestnut dressing 
and the fun of roasting chestnuts are again within 
the reach of all. 
This nut tree is being grown throughout the entire 
eastern United States and does best in the lighter 
soil types with good drainage. It responds to good 
care with increased production and larger nuts. Sites 
suitable for peaches are usually also suitable for the 
Chinese chestnut. When planting seedlings, or vari- 
eties, a minimum of 3 trees is recommended to assure 
pollination because the individual tree or variety is 
self-sterile, but all trees and varieties appear to be 
completely cross-fertile. The tree transplants easily 
and is resistant to drouth conditions. 
The nuts should be cured from its freshly harvested 
condition to develop best flavor. Drying, or curing, 
at cool temperatures is recommended, and the process 
should be allowed to proceed until the nuts have lost 
from 15 to 18 percent in weight. For growing trees, 
fall planting of the nuts is common in some sections, 
while cold storage of the nuts and planting in the 
spring is a more commonly followed practice. 
We have worked with the Chinese chestnut since 
1931 and will be glad to be of every possible assist 
ance to prospective growers, whether of a home plant- 
ing or of a large commercial orchard. 
