When do Luotian chestnuts generally ripen?

Luotian chestnut is a specialty of Luotian County, Hubei, and also a China National Geographical Indication product. It enjoys great renown in the “chestnut world” and is deeply loved by consumers. So when does it generally ripen? What varieties are there?

When do Luotian chestnuts ripen?

Luotian chestnuts generally ripen in September, but different growing regions and varieties cause differences in ripening time. For example, Liuyuebao ripens from the end of August to the beginning of September; Wukeli ripens in late September; Yangmaoli ripens in late September.

What varieties of Luotian chestnut are there?

1. Guihuaxiang

The tree vigor is medium, the crown is spreading, the average single nut weighs 11.9 grams, and the kernel yield is 40%. The shell is dark purple and glossy, the flesh is yellow, sweet and tender, with a cinnamon-alcohol aroma, making it one of the best chestnut varieties in Luotian County.

2. Yangmaoli

The tree vigor is strong and its adaptability to soil and climate is high. The fruit is large, generally 20 weighing 1 kilogram. It is highly drought-resistant, stores well, has relatively few pests and diseases, and can produce a stable, high yield. Grafted young trees usually set fruit in the second year and ripen in late September.

3. Zhongchili

The fruit is large and purplish-red, the flesh is yellow-white, fragrant and crisp, and it ripens in late September.

4. Liuyuebao

Also known as Nuomitou, the tree vigor is strong, each fruiting branch bears 1 to 3 burrs, and the burrs are large with thin shells. Its average single nut weighs 2.5 grams, and it is highly resistant to drought, pests and diseases, but does not store well. Grafted young trees bear fruit in the second year, enter full production in the fifth year, and ripen from the end of August to the beginning of September.

In addition, Jiuyuehan, Wuke Dayouli, Youli, Qianci Dabanli and others are also major cultivated varieties in Luotian.