Basic Introduction to Shaodian Chestnuts
Chestnuts are a renowned product of Shuhe Village in Shaodian Town and one of the key chestnut-producing areas in China, with a history spanning several hundred years. Shaodian Town is known as “China's No. 1 Chestnut Town.”
Nutritional Value
Sweet and fragrant, they contain 51-60% starch, 5.7-10.7% protein, and 2-7.4% fat, along with sugars, starch, crude fiber, carotene, vitamins A, B, C, and minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, and potassium. The nutrients that can be absorbed and utilized by the human body amount to as high as 98%. Ten chestnuts provide 204 calories, with less than 1 gram of fat, making them the lowest in fat among shelled fruits.
Product Characteristics
Shaodian chestnuts are characterized by large seeds (approximately 40 per pound), a lustrous appearance, tender flesh, a sweet and fragrant taste, and a high level of stickiness. They enjoy a high reputation in the international market and have become increasingly popular for export.
Historical and Folk Customs
Shaodian Town is one of the key chestnut-producing areas in China, with a production history of several hundred years. In the past, due to a lack of variety, backward production techniques, and low management standards, the annual yield remained around 500,000 kilograms. In recent years, departments such as the Quality Supervision Bureau, Science and Technology Bureau, Forestry and Animal Husbandry Bureau, and Agricultural Resources Development Bureau have joined forces to support the development of the town's chestnut industry. By investing in comprehensive agricultural development funds, they have focused on improving basic agricultural conditions in the project area; introduced and cultivated multiple high-quality chestnut varieties, including Jiao Zha, Qing Zha, Chu Shu Hong, and Shi Yue Hong; and promoted advanced cultivation techniques such as chestnut dwarfing grafting, dense planting, and top grafting of inferior old trees. On this basis, significant results have been achieved through the vigorous promotion of standardized chestnut production.
Awards and Honors for Shaodian Chestnuts
New superior strains such as Xin Yi Nine-Plus, Chu Chu Hong, and Pan Long Chestnuts have been selectively bred and approved by Jiangsu Province as regional development varieties. These varieties have been widely promoted both within and outside the province. Shaodian chestnuts have been certified as pollution-free agricultural products in Jiangsu Province and were exhibited at the National Export Commodities Production Base Construction Achievement Exhibition, earning an honorary certificate from the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation.
How to Enjoy
Currently, the most popular method of consumption in China is stir-frying chestnuts with sugar. Sugar and sand are mixed together until the sand turns black, then the blackened sand is mixed with chestnuts and stir-fried. This ensures even heat distribution and prevents the loss of natural sugars in the chestnuts.