General FAQ

Q: ‘When I have cooked and peeled chestnuts, can they be stored overnight in the fridge?  Can they be frozen?’

A: After cooking and peeling chestnuts you can store them in an airtight container overnight for sure, for use over the next few days.  If you would like to store them for use in a few months time, they can be frozen (cooked and peeled).  Industry does not recommend freezing fresh chestnuts.

Q: ‘Are there any retail suppliers of chestnut cutters (chestnut knives)?’

A: Cutting knives are available for purchase from http://cheznuts.com.au/product/chestnut-marking-knife/ and scoring snips are available for sale from http://www.growlerscreekgrove.com.au/buy_online.html 

Q: ‘I am looking for a supplier of chestnut seeds.’

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. 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.