Is Chestnut Farming Profitable in 2018? Plus a Detailed Method for Peeling and Boiling Chestnuts

Chestnuts are already on the market and being sold now. Many people love eating chestnuts; whether boiled or candied-roasted, they are a must-have delicacy in autumn and winter. Besides these two ways of preparing them, chestnuts can also be used in soups and presented as a dish, and they have many benefits. So in 2018, is chestnut farming profitable? How do you peel chestnuts? How do you boil chestnuts? How long do they need to be boiled?

1. Is chestnut farming profitable in 2018?

1. Farming prospects

According to relevant survey results, chestnut farming in China and chestnut milk yield have been increasing year by year, and the market price has also been in a state of steady growth. More importantly, many foreign countries are importing chestnuts from China, such as Thailand, Southeast Asia and other regions, and the annual import volume is very large. Basically, each country's import volume reaches as much as 100,000 tons, while China's total annual output is only about three to four million tons. Add to that domestic market demand, and the annual output can be said to be unable to meet market demand, so the prospects for chestnut farming are still relatively broad.

2. Profit returns

Let us calculate based on the chestnut yield in the third year. A chestnut tree can generally produce about twenty to twenty-five jin of chestnuts, so if one mu is planted with one hundred trees, the yield per mu is about two thousand to two thousand five hundred jin. Calculated according to the current market purchase price, one mu of land can yield a profit of about twenty thousand yuan. After deducting the costs incurred, it can still yield a profit of over ten thousand yuan. If the fertilizer, labor, rent and other expenses needed for the second year are also deducted, a net profit of seven to eight thousand yuan is still possible. Although the profit return is not very high, compared with ordinary crop farming, it is still very suitable for planting.

2. How do you peel chestnuts?

1. Soaking in boiling water

Method: Boil water in a pot, turn off the heat, add the chestnuts, cover with the lid and soak for five minutes, take out the chestnuts, cut an opening with scissors, and a beautiful, whole chestnut can be peeled out.

Because they are soaked in boiling water, the surface of the chestnuts inside is very moist, but some chestnuts will also split apart naturally because of the heat, and when peeled they become two halves. Even so, what is peeled out is very whole and very clean.

2. Microwave method

Method: Use scissors to cut an opening on the surface, cutting on both the left and right sides so that they connect into a symmetrical opening; this way it will split open precisely. Put it on a microwave-safe plate, heat on high for one minute, then take it out. Use a cloth to wrap the microwave plate, and let the chestnuts cool slightly. With a gentle twist of the hand, the chestnut comes out, very quickly.

The most important thing to pay attention to is preventing burns. When taking out the microwave plate, you must wear heatproof gloves, and let the chestnuts cool slightly before peeling.

3. Shelling and soaking in water method

Method: First use scissors to cut open the outer shell of the chestnuts and peel it off. Boil water in a pot, or a water temperature of seventy or eighty degrees is also enough, then add the shelled chestnuts. Soak for five minutes, remove and drain the water, and at this point the inner skin can be easily peeled off.

3. How do you boil chestnuts? How long do they need to be boiled?

Use a knife to cut a small opening on each chestnut; pour the chestnuts into a pot, add water and boil. After the water boils, switch to low heat and continue heating; once the chestnuts are cooked, the openings will become larger; after the boiled chestnuts are put into cold water, take them out immediately. Remove the shell and skin as soon as possible, as this is easier at this time; the peeled chestnuts can be eaten directly. They can also be put in the refrigerator, and adding a few when making soup is also very delicious.

Ordinary boiling method: Boil chestnuts in cold water, bring to a boil over high heat, after about 15 minutes, switch to low heat, and cook over the lowest heat for another 15 minutes and they will definitely be cooked.