Buldan Chestnut

Buldan Chestnut is a native chestnut variety of the species Castanea sativa Mill., cultivated in the neighborhoods of Alandız, Kurudere, Kaşıkçı, Yeniçam, Hasanbeyler and Yayla within the Buldan district of Denizli Province. The product has been officially registered under the designation “Place of Origin” by the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office and is protected under geographical indication with Registry No: 602 dated 20 November 2020.

Product Description and Distinctive Characteristics

Buldan Chestnut is a native chestnut variety grown in forested areas at elevations between 780 and 1175 meters, requiring no irrigation or fertilization. The region’s hot and dry summers, warm and rainy winters, and absence of frost conditions support optimal chestnut production.

Only local materials are used for grafting this product; the introduction of seedlings or scions from outside the region is prohibited. The fruits typically occur in clusters of three, are well-filled, and easily detach from their shells. The outer shell is glossy light brown, the flesh is cream-colored and firm, and the shell is easily peeled.

Buldan Chestnut (Turkish Patent)

Physical Characteristics:

• Average fruit length: 2.87 cm
• Average fruit diameter: 1.81 cm
• Average fruit weight: 17.96 g
• Outer shell color: Glossy light brown
• Flesh color: Cream
• Minimum kernel weight: 12 g
• Internal kernel size: ≥ 8 mm
• Protein content: ≥ 5%
• Carbohydrate content: ≥ 40%
• Fat content: ≥ 5%
• Moisutre content: ≥ 40%
• Ash content: ≥ 1.5%
• Harvest period: October–November

Production Method

Chestnut trees primarily grow spontaneously from seeds. Alternatively, propagation is carried out by grafting scions taken from local trees. Grafting is performed at the end of March to the beginning of April. Scions are collected from the previous year’s shoots. The graft is secured by wrapping the scion onto appropriately sized trunks with tape and sealing it with grafting wax. Trees begin producing fruit within 3 to 5 years.

Soil and Climate Conditions

Orchards must be established in well-drained, loose and deep soils. Deep plowing is conducted prior to planting, and a minimum of 3 tons of farmyard manure per hectare is applied. Soils rich in potassium and low in lime are preferred. A minimum spacing of 10 meters is maintained between seedlings.

Irrigation and Fertilization

Chestnut trees thrive in moist conditions. Irrigation is recommended between July and September to prevent shell cracking during dry autumn seasons. Burned farmyard manure may be applied every three years.

Pruning

Regular pruning of vigorous and excess shoots, along with fruiting pruning of mature trees, is recommended. Pruning significantly influences fruit quality and yield and must be performed by qualified personnel.

Harvesting and Storage

Harvesting is carried out in the early morning by beating the trees to dislodge the fruits. Fallen fruits are collected, sorted on sieves, and then placed in sacks.

Storage Methods:

• Traditional Method (Kuzuluk): Harvested chestnuts are buried in pits and covered with ferns, then stored under these conditions for approximately one month. This process develops the product’s distinctive taste and aroma.
• Modern Method: Chestnuts can be stored for 3 to 4 months in cold storage facilities maintained at 0–2 °C with 80–90% relative humidity, in plastic bags.

Buldan Chestnut Harvest (Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry)

Geographical Boundary and Monitoring

Buldan Chestnut is cultivated exclusively in the neighborhoods of Alandız, Kurudere, Kaşıkçı, Yeniçam, Hasanbeyler and Yayla within the Buldan district of Denizli Province.

Monitoring is conducted by a commission of at least three members coordinated by the Buldan Chamber of Agriculture, comprising representatives from the Buldan Municipality, Buldan District Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry, and Buldan Chamber of Commerce. In addition to annual routine inspections, additional inspections may be carried out upon complaint or need.