Three days to reflect on the chestnut supply chain as an economic, social, and environmental ecosystem, but above all, an opportunity to discuss and develop new solutions that enhance chestnut cultivation in its entirety, from forest protection and management to the processing of the final product. This will be discussed at Firenze Fiera, from December 12th to 14th, during the first national fair dedicated to chestnut groves, their fruits, and the future of chestnut cultivation.
"In recent years, we have witnessed a significant revival of traditional chestnut cultivation," says Federico Varazi, vice president of Slow Food Italy. "The chestnut tree is an extraordinary species: its wood, fruit, and undergrowth products demonstrate a unique multifunctionality, while the businesses that operate in chestnut groves, often also active in hospitality and food services, demonstrate how this ecosystem can generate environmental, economic, and social value. In a country with more than nine million hectares of forest, nearly 7,5% of which is occupied by chestnut groves that are too often abandoned, putting active and conscious management back at the center is a responsibility we can no longer postpone. A healthy chestnut grove is not just a productive resource, it is a cultural and landscape asset, a concrete opportunity for inland communities, and a fundamental component of new circular economies."
The Slow Food Chestnut Growers' Network, a national reference point for protecting the biodiversity and environmental heritage of our Highlands, will be involved in a program of meetings designed to promote the world of slow chestnut growing and biodiversity. "At Castanea Expo 2025," explains Rosaria Olevano, coordinator of the Slow Food Chestnut Growers' Network, "our communities will present their products, offering the public the opportunity to discover and purchase excellent products that tell our story, our territory, and our daily work. Our presence represents a crucial opportunity to make our voice heard, share our philosophy of protecting the territory, promote the value of working in the chestnut groves, and share our daily commitment to safeguarding traditional chestnut varieties and the landscapes that support them, while also highlighting the importance of chestnut growing."
From the chestnut groves of the Monregalese area, through those of the Tuscan-Romagna Apennines and the Lazio plateaus, to the Reventino mountains in Calabria, the Network's protagonists bring their knowledge, testimonials, and, of course, their products—flours, biscuits, breads, spreads, and much more—to the Slow Food stand, demonstrating that a new way of thinking about the Highlands is possible, starting with the protection of the chestnut groves.
At Castanea Expo 2025, the Network's stand will host meetings and workshops to explore the nuances of slow chestnut cultivation. Throughout the three days, practical demonstrations and discussions will take place with the custodians of some Italian chestnut groves, who will accompany visitors on a journey to discover the Network's values, the initiatives currently underway in the region, and the future prospects of chestnut cultivation. In addition to learning about grafting techniques, grove management, and new cultivation technologies, the experiences offered will also include culinary experiences, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in local varieties and learn how to best utilize chestnut flour in the kitchen, combining traditional and innovative methods, and comparing their aromas and textures.
