Fagaceae

Basic Introduction to Wulian Chestnuts Chestnuts, also known as Chinese chestnuts, are plants in the genus Castanea of the beech family (Fagaceae). They are native to China and are distributed in Vietnam, Taiwan, and regions across mainland China, growing at altitudes ranging from 370 to 2,800 meters, commonly found on mountainsides and widely cultivated by humans. The production of chestnuts in Wulian County has a long history. The soil within the county is fertile, with ample sunlight and abundant rainfall, providing ideal natural conditions for the growth of chestnuts. Nutritional Value Chestnuts are rich in vitamins B1 and B2, with vitamin B2 content at least four times that of rice. Each 100 grams of chestnuts contain 24 milligrams of vitamin C, far exceeding what grains can offer. Surprisingly, fresh chestnuts contain more vitamin C than tomatoes, which are renowned for their high vitamin C content, and over ten times more than apples! Chestnuts are also rich in minerals such as potassium, magnesium, iron, zinc, and manganese. Although their mineral content is not as high as that of hazelnuts or melon seeds, it is significantly higher than common fruits like apples and pears, especially in potassium, where they surpass even apples,…