About Us
Our Culinary Chestnuts
What's New
Route 9 Cooperative was formed in 2010 by the owners of five chestnut orchards in eastern Ohio, located on land once occupied by native American chestnut trees. Our member chestnut orchards cover over 100 acres and have been supplying their customers with fresh culinary chestnuts for many years. The need for a larger packing facility and unified marketing led to creation of the co-op. Prior to the co-op, Greg Miller had produced and sold chestnuts and chestnut trees under his farm, Empire Chestnut Company. The co-op now markets the chestnuts and trees grown by Empire Chestnut Company. Greg Miller serves as president of Route 9 Cooperative and remains an active chestnut farmer. See our more detailed story under history.
Over the years, we have grown several species of chestnuts and their interspecific hybrids. We found that the Chinese chestnut (Castanea mollissima) is the best in terms of its sweet flavor, ease of peeling, and adaptation to our growing conditions. We continually plant new trees and remove inferior trees. In the process, we evaluate new germplasm and constantly improve the genetic quality of the chestnuts and nursery stock that we sell.
We sell three sizes of chestnuts: small (60-75 per lb; good for snacking), medium (48-53 per lb; good for roasting) and large (34-39 per lb; good for cooking). All sizes have the same quality and flavor. They are carefully cleaned and graded to ensure more than 95% sound chestnuts at shipping time. Fresh chestnuts are available only during October and November.
When you receive your chestnuts be sure to refrigerate them right away. Otherwise, they can become moldy. Be sure to read our pages on storage and preparation of chestnuts.
Looking for a unique gift for the holidays? Want to add some seasonal natural sweetness to your baking? Not sure what to give to or cook for your family member who is gluten-free? Try our chestnut flour! Each order comes with cooking tips and suggested recipes.
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The 2019 harvest season has finished! We're very grateful for a bountiful harvest, hard-working pickers, beautiful weather, and of course, our loyal customers. We'll still be processing and shipping culinary nuts over the next few weeks. Seed nut orders will be processed in November. Chestnut flour is available throughout the year. Happy fall!
Friends of ours in northeast Ohio are experimenting with different ways to incorporate chestnuts into their diet! For anyone in the area, consider chestnuts when you're exploring how to "eat local."
We have deer feed nuts available! $10 for 50lb bag. Pick up at Route 9 Co-op, 4300 Germano Rd SE, Carrollton, OH 44615. Limited supply, so first-come, first-served. Deer love chestnuts!
The harvest season is starting to wind down. If you want to pick chestnuts, come this week! We have some beautiful, seasonable fall weather.