Graze, Stay & Play Near Us
Lodging, local food, and simple pleasures near Brodhead, Wisconsin
At Nuts About Dee’s Berries, our chestnuts are grown for the sweet, starchy qualities that once made them a true American food staple. When roasted, they soften into a warm, tender bite more like a buttery potato than a crunchy nut — rich, comforting, and naturally sweet. These fresh-from-the-orchard chestnuts cook like a carbohydrate, not a typical nut, and offer a rare fall harvest experience you can gather by hand right here on the farm. It’s tradition, flavor, and food reconnecting in the most delicious way.
Why Pawpaws Are Rare — and Why U-Pick Matters
Pawpaws are rarely found in grocery stores, not because they lack demand, but because they don’t travel well. The fruit ripens quickly, bruises easily, and has a very short window when its flavor and texture are at their best. While pawpaws may occasionally appear in specialty markets closer to their native range in the eastern U.S., they are not available in Wisconsin grocery stores.
That’s why U-Pick is ideal for pawpaws. Harvesting the fruit directly from the tree allows it to be enjoyed at peak ripeness — when the custard-soft texture and tropical flavor are most pronounced. At Nuts about Dee’s Berries, pawpaws are grown specifically for this kind of experience, where timing, freshness, and flavor come together during a short seasonal window. Visitors can track that timing through our Harvest Calendar and plan their trip by exploring what to expect when they visit the farm.
This short harvest window is also what makes pawpaw season so special — it rewards those who plan ahead and visit at just the right time.
WHAT IS AN AMERICAN PAWPAW?
What is a pawpaw, really?
The American pawpaw is a native North American fruit that grows on small understory trees and produces one of the most unexpected flavors found in a temperate climate. Although it tastes tropical — often compared to banana, mango, or custard — the pawpaw is not a tropical fruit. It is native to the eastern United States and has been growing in forests and river valleys for thousands of years.
Why most people haven’t heard of pawpaws
Most people are surprised to learn that pawpaws grow naturally in the Midwest, including southern Wisconsin. Because they ripen quickly and bruise easily, pawpaws were never suited to large-scale commercial shipping. As a result, they remained largely unknown outside their native range and are rarely found in grocery stores today.
What makes pawpaws unique
Unlike many fruits, pawpaws are best enjoyed fresh, shortly after ripening. When picked at the right moment, the fruit has a soft, custard-like texture and a rich, complex flavor that changes depending on the tree and the season. This natural variation is part of what makes pawpaws so memorable — and why they are especially well-suited to small farms and U-Pick orchards.
Why pawpaws belong at our farm
At Nuts about Dee’s Berries, pawpaws are grown as part of a diverse agroforestry orchard designed to highlight this uniqueness. Understanding what a pawpaw is makes it easier to appreciate how they’re grown, when they’re harvested, and why timing and variety play such an important role in the U-Pick experience.
Our Pawpaw Orchard at Nuts About Dee’s Berries
At Nuts About Dee’s Berries in southern Wisconsin, our pawpaw orchard is grown intentionally as part of a long-term agroforestry system — not a single-crop planting. Established in Brodhead, Wisconsin, the orchard reflects the shaded woodland conditions pawpaws evolved in, while allowing for airflow, light balance, and long-term tree health.
Our planting includes a thoughtful mix of named pawpaw cultivars and seed-grown trees, creating both familiarity and natural diversity across the orchard. Well-known varieties such as Shenandoah, along with a small number of other widely recognized selections, provide reference points for visitors already familiar with pawpaws. Alongside those are hundreds of seed-grown trees selected for vigor, cold tolerance, and regional adaptability.
Many of our seedlings trace back to parent material and breeding work associated with the Kansas State University Pawpaw Program, which has played a major role in advancing pawpaw cultivation in colder climates. Seed-grown trees allow for natural genetic variation — meaning flavor, texture, and ripening time can differ subtly from tree to tree, even within the same season.
This diversity is intentional. Rather than narrowing the orchard to a single clone or flavor profile, we’ve designed it to support resilience, staggered harvest windows, and a wide range of eating experiences. Some pawpaws will be mild and creamy, others richer and more tropical, with timing influenced by genetics, weather, and tree maturity.
Because pawpaws require patience, shade when young, and careful spacing as they mature, our orchard was planted with the long view in mind. Tree shelters, soil health practices, and site selection all support strong root systems before trees reach full production. As the orchard continues to establish, visitors will experience pawpaws grown as part of a living system — shaped by season, genetics, and place.
Looking to dive deeper into American PawPaw? Visit our blog for articles on elderberry health benefits, preservation tips, recipe inspiration, and seasonal harvest updates.
Pawpaw Picking: Timing Is Everything
Pawpaw season is short and shifts slightly each year depending on weather and growing conditions. In southern Wisconsin, the harvest window typically runs from late August into early fall, with fruit ripening quickly once it’s ready. Because pawpaws do not continue to improve after picking, timing your visit makes all the difference.
🌿 August — Early Ripening Pawpaws
Early-season pawpaws typically begin ripening in late August, depending on the year. These fruits are often firmer with a lighter, smoother sweetness, making them a great introduction for first-time tasters. Some early-ripening varieties commonly associated with this window include Shenandoah and NC-1, though timing can vary based on weather and growing conditions.
🌿 September — Peak Pawpaw Season
September is peak pawpaw season in southern Wisconsin. This is when most fruit reaches full ripeness, developing the soft, custard-like texture and rich tropical flavor pawpaws are known for. Many mid-season varieties tend to ripen during this window, offering a wide range of flavor profiles and textures. For visitors hoping to experience pawpaws at their best, this is often the ideal time to plan a visit.
🌿 October — Late Season (Weather Dependent)
In some years, pawpaw picking can extend into early October if conditions allow. Late-season fruit is typically softer and deeper in flavor, though availability becomes more limited as the season winds down. Varieties that ripen later in the season may linger briefly, rewarding those who check timing closely and visit at just the right moment.
Ripening windows vary by year and growing conditions. Availability depends on weather and natural variation between trees.
Don’t Miss a Single Bite
Every pawpaw variety has its own personality—some are silky and mild, others rich and custardy. The best way to discover your favorite? Taste them all as the season unfolds. 🍽️
Follow our:
👉 Events Page
👉 sign up for our newsletter
👉 watch our Facebook page for harvest updates.
The season is short—but the flavor memories last all year.
Flavor, Texture, and Why No Two Pawpaws Taste the Same
One of the most surprising things about pawpaws is how much they can vary from tree to tree. Unlike grocery-store fruit bred for uniformity, pawpaws express a wide range of flavors, textures, and ripening behavior depending on genetics, growing conditions, and harvest timing. This natural variation is part of what makes pawpaw season so engaging — and why repeat visits often lead to completely different tasting experiences.
Flavor Ranges You’ll Encounter
Pawpaw flavor is often described as tropical, but that description only scratches the surface. Across our orchard, flavors tend to fall into a few broad ranges rather than a single taste.
Mild and gently sweet, with soft banana or melon notes
Rich and custard-forward, often described as mango-like or creamy
Deeper, more complex flavors that lean tropical with hints of vanilla or caramel
Some named cultivars are known for more consistent flavor profiles, while seed-grown trees often surprise visitors with unexpected combinations.
Texture Matters as Much as Flavor
Texture plays a huge role in how pawpaws are enjoyed. Depending on the tree and ripeness, fruit may range from:
Silky and spoon-soft
Dense and custard-like
Light and creamy with a softer finish
This is one reason pawpaws don’t ship well and why U-Pick is ideal — texture is at its best when fruit is harvested at just the right moment.
Named Varieties and Seed-Grown Trees
Our orchard includes a mix of recognized pawpaw varieties alongside many seed-grown trees. Well-known selections such as Shenandoah provide familiar reference points for experienced pawpaw fans, while seed-grown trees introduce natural genetic diversity.
This approach allows for:
A wider harvest window
Greater resilience to weather variation
A broader range of flavors and textures within the same season
Rather than narrowing the experience to a single flavor profile, we’ve designed the orchard to showcase how diverse pawpaws can be.
Handling & Storing Pawpaws After Picking
Pawpaws are delicate, fully ripe when picked, and don’t improve after harvest — which means how you handle them matters just as much as when you pick them.
Once harvested, pawpaws should be kept cool and handled gently to prevent bruising. Most visitors plan to enjoy some fresh, then preserve the rest within a short window. Proper handling helps maintain texture, flavor, and overall quality.
If you’re new to pawpaws, or want to make the most of your harvest, we recommend reviewing:
- How to handle pawpaws after picking
- Freezing and preserving pawpaws for later use
- Recipe ideas and inspiration
Pawpaws reward a little planning — and open the door to smoothies, baked goods, desserts, and more long after the season ends.
Despite being North America’s largest native fruit, pawpaws remain largely absent from grocery stores due to their delicate nature and short harvest window.
Pawpaw season is short and varies from year to year. Planning ahead helps ensure you visit during peak ripeness, when flavor and texture are at their best.
Plan Your Pawpaw Visit
Pawpaw season is brief and highly dependent on weather, orchard maturity, and individual tree genetics. Visiting at the right moment makes the difference between an average experience and tasting pawpaws at their absolute best.
When to Visit
In southern Wisconsin, pawpaws typically ripen from late August through September, with peak picking often falling within a narrow window. Some trees ripen earlier, others later, and timing can shift year to year based on seasonal conditions. Checking harvest updates before visiting helps ensure you arrive when fruit is actively ripening rather than past peak.
What to Expect When Picking
Pawpaw U-Pick is a hands-on, observational experience. Fruit is ready when it softens slightly and releases easily from the tree, and not all fruit on a single tree ripens at the same time. Gentle handling is essential, as ripe pawpaws bruise easily and continue to soften after harvest.
Plan Ahead for Your Visit
Because pawpaws are delicate and highly perishable, a little preparation goes a long way. Knowing what containers to bring, how long fruit will keep, and how to transport it home helps preserve quality and flavor.
Pawpaw U-Pick FAQs
The pawpaw picking season typically runs from late August to September, depending on the weather.
A ripe pawpaw tastes like a delightful blend of banana and mango custard, making it unique.
To keep fresh pawpaw fruit, refrigerate it and consume within 3 days or freeze for later use.
Yes! We offer a pawpaw-themed cookbook featuring smoothies, breads, desserts, and more. It’s available online and in our farm store during the PawPaw U-Pick season.
Absolutely! The American pawpaw is the only larval host plant for the beautiful zebra swallowtail butterfly. Planting pawpaw supports local pollinators and biodiversity.
We provide harvest containers, but feel free to bring your own reusable bags or baskets. Just make sure they’re clean and pawpaw-friendly!
Our Brodhead location includes walking paths with relatively flat ground. Let us know in advance if you need accommodations — we’re happy to help!
Follow our Facebook page, check our Events Page, or join our email list to get the latest info on ripening, special events, and tastings.
Learn More
Honeyberry U-Pick Adventure Awaits
The first berry of the season — a sweet-tart favorite you won’t find in grocery stores, best enjoyed fresh from the bush.
Honeyberries are one of the earliest fruits to ripen each year, which makes them a seasonal favorite for visitors eager to kick off berry-picking season. Their balanced sweet-tart flavor and easy-to-pick bushes make them especially enjoyable for both first-time visitors and seasoned U-pick regulars.
At Nuts about Dee’s Berries, our honeyberries are grown as part of a thoughtfully designed perennial orchard system, where diverse fruit plantings support long-term soil health, pollinators, and exceptional flavor. As a result, every visit offers more than just berries — it’s a chance to experience a living, regenerative farm.
Why People Love Honeyberries
Honeyberries have a quiet following for good reason. They ripen earlier than most berries, taste bright without being overly sweet, and are surprisingly easy to pick. For many visitors, they’re the berry that kicks off the entire U-pick season.
Why Visitors Love Honeyberries
Honeyberries may be less familiar than blueberries, but once visitors try them, they quickly understand the appeal. Their early-season timing, balanced flavor, and easy picking make them a favorite for both first-time visitors and returning U-pick regulars.
Here’s why honeyberries continues to gain attention:
🟣 Early in the Season
Honeyberries are often the first berry ready to harvest, making them a welcome sign that U-pick season has officially begun. For many visitors, they mark the start of summer traditions.
🍇 Balanced Sweet–Tart Flavor
Rather than being overly sweet, honeyberries offer a bright, lightly tangy flavor that works just as well fresh as it does in the kitchen. This balance makes them appealing to a wide range of tastes.
🍯 Easy and Approachable to Pick
Compact bushes and visible fruit clusters make honeyberries simple to harvest. As a result, they’re often recommended for families, new U-pick visitors, and anyone looking for a relaxed experience.
🌎 Versatile Beyond the Field
Honeyberries transition easily from fresh eating to freezing, baking, and preserving. Their flexibility makes them a practical choice for both casual snacking and seasonal cooking.
Together, these qualities make honeyberries an easy fruit to enjoy — whether you’re visiting for the first pick of the season or stocking your freezer for later.
Honeyberries have delicate skins and a naturally high juice content, which means they’re at their best when enjoyed soon after harvest. Unlike fruits bred for long-distance shipping, honeyberries are valued for flavor rather than shelf life.
When picked at peak ripeness, their sweet-tart balance is brighter, their texture is firmer, and their aroma is more pronounced. This freshness is difficult to replicate once berries are stored, frozen, or processed — which is why many visitors prefer to enjoy honeyberries directly from the farm.
Because honeyberries ripen quickly and don’t hold long once fully ripe, harvest timing matters. Visiting during the peak window allows you to experience the berries as they were meant to be enjoyed — fresh, vibrant, and full of flavor.
Storage, Freezing & Kitchen Prep
Honeyberries are easy to handle once you get them home. Their firm skins help them hold up well during transport, and a little preparation goes a long way toward preserving their flavor.
For short-term storage, honeyberries can be kept refrigerated and enjoyed fresh over several days. Like most fresh berries, they’re best left unwashed until just before use.
Freezing Honeyberries
Honeyberries freeze exceptionally well, which makes them a popular choice for visitors who like to stock up early in the season.
A simple approach:
Gently rinse and dry berries
Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet
Freeze until firm, then transfer to freezer-safe containers
Frozen honeyberries are easy to use straight from the freezer in smoothies, baking, and sauces.
Kitchen Prep & Everyday Uses
Honeyberries don’t require special preparation. They can be:
Added to yogurt or oatmeal
Blended into smoothies
Used in baking
Cooked down for sauces or preserves
Because honeyberries freeze so well, many visitors intentionally pick extra — knowing they’ll be able to enjoy them long after the season ends.
Common Ways to Use Black Currants
Because black currants are uncommon in most U.S. grocery stores, many people aren’t quite sure how to use them at first. However, once you taste them, the possibilities become obvious.
With their bold flavor, deep color, and natural acidity, black currants shine in both sweet and savory applications. They’re especially valued in recipes where richness, aroma, and balance matter.
🫐 Fresh Eating (For the Curious Palate)
Black currants aren’t mild berries—and that’s the point. When eaten fresh, they’re tart, aromatic, and intensely flavorful. While some people enjoy them straight off the bush, others prefer them lightly sweetened or paired with dairy to soften their edge.
🥄 Jams, Syrups & Preserves
This is where black currants truly excel. Their natural pectin, deep color, and bold flavor create rich jams, glossy syrups, and preserves that hold up beautifully in baking and cooking.
Best for: toast, yogurt, cheeseboards, desserts, and pantry staples.
🧁 Baking & Desserts
Because black currants keep their flavor when heated, they perform exceptionally well in baked goods. From tarts and galettes to sauces and fillings, they add depth rather than disappearing into sugar.
Best for: pies, bars, muffins, sauces, and layered desserts.
🍷 Beverages & Fermentation
Thanks to their acidity and aroma, black currants are widely used in juices, syrups, cordials, wines, and shrubs. In Europe especially, they’re prized for beverages that need structure and intensity.
Best for: juice blends, syrups, wine, mead, cider, and non-alcoholic drinks.
❄️ Freezing & Processing
Black currants freeze exceptionally well, making them easy to enjoy year-round. Freezing also helps preserve their color and aroma, which is why many cooks and makers process them shortly after harvest.
Best for: long-term storage, later processing.
From the field to the kitchen, black currants offer more range than most berries.
From fresh eating to preserves and beverages, the way you use black currants often depends on timing, harvest, and preparation.
FAQs About Honeyberries
Honeyberries are typically one of the first berries ready each season, often ripening in late spring or early summer. Exact timing varies based on weather and growing conditions.
No reservations are required for U-pick visits. Because honeyberry harvest timing can change quickly, we recommend staying up to date through our harvest announcements.
You can get current updates by:
Joining our newsletter list, or
Following our farm on Facebook
This helps ensure you’re visiting during peak picking.
Yes. Honeyberry bushes are compact and produce visible clusters of fruit, making them easy to harvest without ladders or special tools. They’re often recommended for families and first-time U-pick visitors.
Honeyberries have a balanced sweet-tart flavor often compared to a mix of blueberries and raspberries, with a bright, fresh finish.
They do. Honeyberries hold up well when frozen and are easy to use later in smoothies, baking, and sauces.
Absolutely. Honeyberries are easy to harvest, and their early-season timing makes them a popular choice for families looking for a relaxed U-pick experience.
Beginning in 2028, we anticipate starting limited honeyberry production suitable for small-batch testing and seasonal use. As our shrubs continue to mature, we expect to gradually expand availability and accommodate larger commercial requests over time.
Producers interested in future availability are encouraged to reach out early to discuss timing and potential options.
Still have questions?
We’re happy to help — feel free to reach out before planning your visit.
Experience Black Currant Season at Our Farm
How Chestnuts Are Harvested at Our Farm
Chestnuts are one of fall’s most rewarding harvests — they drop naturally and are gathered right from the orchard floor. In Southern Wisconsin, chestnut season typically runs from late September through October, depending on weather and variety. We keep visitors updated with real-time harvest posts on Facebook and seasonal reminders through our newsletter so you always know when the orchard is at its peak.
Harvesting is hands-on, satisfying, and easier than most people expect. Whether it’s your first time or your tenth basket, we guide you every step of the way.
Burrs fall naturally
When chestnuts are ready, burrs drop on their own — no shaking trees and no guesswork. Nature does the announcing.
Daily orchard gathering
We walk the orchard regularly so visitors enjoy a clean picking area and access to freshly dropped nuts.
Simple U-pick harvesting
Chestnuts are collected by hand, and we provide Nut Wizard tools to make gathering quicker and easier (they’re weirdly fun to use).
Gloves = happy hands
Those burrs mean business. Bring sturdy gloves so harvesting stays comfortable and enjoyable.
Quick tips before you head out
We’ll show you what to look for, which rows are producing best, and how to choose solid, high-quality nuts.
Helpful Harvest Reminders
🗓 Season: Late Sept – October in Zone 5b
📣 Follow our Facebook for live orchard updates and peak harvest alerts
💌 Join our newsletter for early season announcements and picking reminders – Here is our Harvest Chart for estimated timing.
🌰 Harvest varies slightly each year based on weather — we always post when nuts begin dropping
Black Currants
Short season. Big flavor. Grown with intention.
Bold, aromatic, and deeply flavorful, black currants are one of the most distinctive berries you’ll ever taste. Although they’re well-loved in Europe, they remain a hidden gem here in the Midwest. That’s exactly why we grow them.
At Nuts About Dee’s Berries, our black currants thrive in Southern Wisconsin’s climate, producing berries known for their intense color, complex flavor, and impressive nutritional profile. Whether you’re discovering them for the first time or rediscovering a favorite from childhood, black currants offer an experience that goes far beyond ordinary berries.
From Orchard to Storage: Keeping Chestnuts Fresh
Chestnuts are fresh nuts, not dried like almonds or walnuts. Because they contain natural moisture, they continue to breathe after harvest and must be handled more like produce. Proper storage protects their sweetness, texture, and quality from the moment they leave the orchard.
Clean & Dry
Remove any remaining burr pieces and allow chestnuts to air dry briefly after picking. This helps prevent mold and prepares them for safe storage.
Refrigerate Quickly
Fresh chestnuts should be refrigerated as soon as possible. Cool temperatures slow spoilage and preserve their natural sugars.
Breathable Storage
Chestnuts store best in cool, high-humidity conditions that keep them from drying out. Use breathable bags or perforated containers in the coldest part of your fridge so air can circulate and moisture stays balanced.
Use Within Weeks
Chestnuts are best enjoyed fresh within a few weeks of harvest. The sooner they’re cooked, the sweeter and better they taste.
When Chestnuts Are Ready to Pick in Southern Wisconsin
Chestnuts are one of the very last tree crops to ripen each year. In Southern Wisconsin, harvest timing depends heavily on weather, but there’s a reliable seasonal window when burrs begin opening and nuts start dropping daily.
Unlike apples or berries, chestnuts aren’t picked from the tree — they fall when fully mature, which means timing your visit during peak drop is everything.
Peak Harvest Window
Typical season: Late September – Mid October (Zone 5b)
Early warm fall → slightly earlier drop
Cool wet fall → pushes harvest later
Each variety drops a little differently
Signs the Orchard Is Ready
Burrs splitting open on the tree
Fresh nuts visible under trees
Daily drop increasing
Wildlife activity (squirrels know before we do 😄)
How to Know Before You Drive
We post real-time harvest updates on Facebook so visitors know when nuts are actively dropping and when peak picking is happening. Chestnut harvest is short and moves fast — a few days can make a big difference.
📬 Joining our newsletter is the best way to get first alerts when the orchard opens each season.
Why Timing Matters
Fresh chestnuts only fall for a limited window. Visiting during peak drop means:
Easier gathering
Larger, fresher nuts
Best roasting quality
More rewarding U-pick experience
We promise — the squirrels always beat you to the early nuts 🐿️
Ready to Pick Your Own Chestnuts?
Chestnut season is brief, exciting, and unlike any other harvest on the farm. When the orchard is dropping, it’s fast, fresh, and incredibly fun — and we’d love for you to experience it firsthand.
How Black Currants Are Harvested
Black currants are harvested during a short summer window, when berries have fully developed their deep color, flavor, and aroma. Because timing plays such a critical role in quality, harvest methods at our farm are chosen carefully based on ripeness, intended use, and seasonal conditions. Whether berries are picked by visitors or gathered for small-batch use, the focus remains on preserving flavor, structure, and overall fruit integrity.
Key Harvest Principles
Harvested at peak ripeness, when color and flavor are fully developed
Handled gently to preserve berry structure, juice quality, and culinary versatility
Harvest approach adapts to use, from U-pick enjoyment to small-batch needs
Availability varies by season, weather, and harvest conditions
Because black currants ripen over a short window, harvest timing directly shapes when and how they’re available at the farm.
Black Currant Season at Our Farm
Black currants are a distinctly seasonal crop, and timing matters. At our farm in Southern Wisconsin, ripeness is driven by spring temperatures, rainfall, and overall growing conditions, which means the harvest window is both short and variable from year to year. Understanding when black currants come into season helps visitors plan their visit and harvest fruit at its peak.
Season Details
Typical Ripening Window
In Southern Wisconsin (Zone 5b), black currants typically ripen from late June through early July. Cooler springs may push harvest slightly later, while warm springs can move ripening earlier.
What Peak Ripeness Looks Like
Black currants are ready to harvest when berries are fully black, glossy, and evenly colored across the cluster. At peak ripeness, fruit releases easily and develops its characteristic bold aroma and flavor.
Planning Your Visit
Because ripening can shift by several days each season, we share real-time harvest updates as fruit approaches readiness. Following along ensures visitors arrive during the optimal picking window.
Because seasonal timing can shift from year to year, we share real-time updates as black currants approach ripeness. Harvest announcements, U-pick availability, and short field updates are posted on our Facebook page so visitors can follow along as the season develops.
Chestnuts Aren’t Like Other Nuts — and That’s the Magic
While most nuts are high in oils and eaten raw, chestnuts behave more like a vegetable or grain once cooked. Because they’re naturally starchy, they roast soft, taste subtly sweet, and function as a carbohydrate rather than a crunchy snack. That difference is exactly why chestnuts were once a foundational food across early America and Europe.
Chestnuts vs Typical Nuts
Low oil, high starch
Soft and tender when roasted
Mild natural sweetness
Used in stuffing, soups, baking, and flour
Historically eaten as a staple food, not just a snack
How Chestnuts Are Used in the Kitchen
Roasting
Score each shell and roast until the interior softens and becomes tender and sweet. Chestnuts transform as they cook, developing a warm, starchy texture similar to baked potatoes.
Baking
Chopped chestnuts add natural sweetness and richness to breads, cakes, cookies, and pastries. Their soft texture blends beautifully into batters and fillings.
Soups & Purées
Cooked chestnuts purée smoothly, creating creamy soups and velvety sauces that carry a mild nutty sweetness and comforting depth.
Chestnut Flour
Dried chestnuts can be milled into a naturally gluten-free flour used in baking, pasta, and specialty desserts.
Chestnut Varieties Grown at Nuts About Dee’s Berries
Our chestnut orchard is planted with a carefully selected mix of Chinese-American hybrid chestnut seedlings sourced from proven parent trees known for nut size, sweetness, ease of peeling, and culinary performance. This diversity was intentionally chosen to produce large, flavorful nuts while creating a resilient, long-lived orchard adapted for reliable harvest.
Rather than relying on a single cultivar, our trees represent genetics from leading chestnut growers and breeding lines. Each selection brings subtle differences in roasting qualities and flavor, providing a richer and more consistent experience for our U-pick visitors while ensuring outstanding chestnuts for fresh eating and cooking.
Parent Genetics Represented in Our Orchard
Stehli Selections
HR18 Layeroka
Turtle Party
Gellatly Sweet (Layeroka)
Tree of the North
HR4T8 Layeroka
HR4T8 Variant
Red Fern Farm (RR) Selections
Ace
Red Szego
Sleeping Giant
Royalmark
Badgersett & Hybrid Lines
Badger Qing
Badgersett Boundless
Empire Elite Mix
Iowa Invincible
Large Badger
Luvall’s Monster
Michigan Magnificent
Mossbarger
Ohio Outstanding
PQXF1s
Qing
QingSu
Resilient
Very American
Together, these genetics create an orchard designed to deliver flavorful, high-quality chestnuts and a truly unique harvest experience for visitors to the farm.
Fresh Chestnuts at Home: Simple, Delicious Uses
#storageUnlike dry, crunchy nuts, chestnuts behave more like a hearty ingredient once cooked. Their soft texture and natural sweetness make them incredibly versatile in both savory and sweet dishes.
Whether you roast them whole or cook them into recipes, fresh chestnuts quickly become one of the coziest foods of the season.
🌰 Roasted & Snacked
The classic. Roast until tender, peel, and enjoy warm. Perfect with salt, butter, or just plain right out of the shell.
🍲 Cooked Into Meals
Add chopped chestnuts to stuffing, soups, grain bowls, pasta, or vegetable dishes. They bring a mild sweetness and creamy bite.
🍰 Sweet & Baking Uses
Chestnuts pair beautifully with honey, maple, chocolate, vanilla, and fall spices. Great in desserts, breads, and purées.