Chestnut

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The chestnut tree is a deciduous tree of the black oak family. It grows in the sun, and may grow up to be 10-20 meters tall with a canopy of one meter. Its botanical name is Castanea crenata; in English, chestnut. As a medicine, it is called Yulja (栗子), its flower, Yulhwa (栗), its fruit, Yulgok and Yulsupi (栗樹皮).
Korean chestnut trees have been naturally cultivated for a long time. They were named as specialties in several regions, Pyongyang-bam (Hamjong-bam) and Yangju-bam (Bul-bam) being among them but did not have many specific varieties. However in 1958, chestnut gall wasps invaded from abroad and the aforementioned trees were completely exterminated.

Hence, varieties resistant to the wasps were imported from Japan, and in 1961 the experimental forestry station selected about 10 varieties of native chestnuts that were resistant. Generally, Korean chestnuts are sweeter than Japanese chestnuts.

In addition, chestnuts imported from China were introduced to certain coastal regions in Pyongannamdo and were grown in Hamjong, Sungchon, Pyongyang, Gamdong, Sunchon, Dukchon, and Sangun of Hwanghaedo.

The main producing regions of chestnuts are Hadong, Hamyang, Sanchong of Gyongsangnamdo, Kwangyang, Bosung, Gurye of Jollanamdo, Namwon, and Jangsu of Jollabukdo.

Because farming in extensive areas and in mountains is possible and not too difficult, with the added advantage of easy transportation and storage, areas of chestnut cultivation, especially in mountainous areas, are anticipated to increase.

Most Korean chestnuts have been imported from Japan, and so, are weak against the cold weather and are mainly cultivated in the southern regions.

The main producing regions (representing 60% of the total crop) are: Hadong, Hamyang, Sanjung of Gyongsangnamdo, Kwangyang, Bosung, Gurye of Jollanamdo, Namwon, and Jangsu of Jollabukdo.

Current status of production
As to varieties according to producing areas, precocious species producing nuts by mid August to early September, such as the Moriwase and Danjawa, are mainly grown in Chunchong-do. In Jolla and Gyonsangdo, native species such as Gwang and imported species such as Leeheiguri are grown. In southern regions including the area around Hadong, imported species such as Gingyosae, Eunhaengyul, and Danpa are cultivated.

The production of chestnuts is constantly increasing, and in 1992 production reached 100,000 tons. (Production fell in 1993 due to cold weather, but regained the level of 100,000 tons in 1994)

In 1995, the harvest totaled 93,655 tons, a little over the average. The main producing areas such as Jollanamdo and Gyonssangnamdo didn't do well, whereas Chunchongdo did.

In 1996, the output of the main producing areas of Chungnam, Jullanamdo, and Gyongnam increased, regaining the output levels of 1994. In 1997, the output reached a record high of 129,000 tons. However, in 1998, lack of sunshine during the ripening season caused a decrease of 15% (compared to the previous year), and the output was 110,000 tons.

Among the main world producers, Korea produces the most, 22%, followed by China 21%, Italy 15%, Turkey 13%, Bolivia 6%, Japan 5%, Spain and Portugal 4%, Russia 3%, and Greece and France 2%.

The following is the distribution and output of each country. The main producing areas in France are: Ardeche, Barre, The Island of Correze, Dordogne, Lot and Lozere. Producing over 90% of the total output, they are located near the central plateau of Southern France. The output of chestnuts per hectare differs greatly from 1 to 2 tons according to various conditions including the climate, trimming, pruning, and irrigation methods.

In Italy, another chief producer, edible chestnuts are mainly produced in the region of Plemonte in the north, Lazio of the central area, and Campania and Calabrila of the south.

Chestnuts grown in the United States today are mainly American, Chinese, and Korean. Among these, American chestnuts are weak against disease and insects, resulting in many trees dying in the 1950's. In the 1960's, governmental projects concerning chestnut trees ended, so there are only a few trees left.

Seventy-five percent of the chestnut trees grown in the US are Chinese and Korean, and the remainder are American. The quality of chestnuts grown in California is known to be the best, with Italian, Chinese, and Korean chestnuts following.

In China, there are over 300 varieties of chestnut trees. The natural environment is mainly divided into two: north and south (Yangzi River area). The main producing areas are alluvial plains less than fifty meters above sea level and Weixis more than 2,800 meters above sea level, which can be found here and there nationwide.