How is the size of Italian chestnuts measured?

When you buy Italian chestnuts you will be offered different prices according to the different sizes.

The sizes are expressed as a range, like 80-90, 95-105 or 75-80.

It is important to understand that the sizing system used in Italy does not measure neither the diameter nor the weight of the chestnuts.

The size range is actually a count and it states the number of chestnuts in 1 Kg. This means that a “70-80” chestnut is larger than a “90-95”.

In other words if you buy a 70-80 you should find not more than 80 chestnuts in 1 Kg.

To do quick and precise check, you should weigh 500g of chestnuts, count the chestnuts and multiply by two. If the result is larger than the highest number in the range, the chestnuts are undersize.

This reference table shows the average weight per chestnut for the main sizes used for fresh consumption.