Genetic characterization and nut quality of chestnut cultivars from Piemonte (Italy)

The chestnut tree is a very important world resource and Italy is the main European chestnut and marron producer. In Piedmont there are many good quality cultivars, each of which particularly suitable for fresh market or processing. Chestnut were sampled for the merceological characterization of the most typical cultivars from Piedmont. Chemical analyses, were carried out to determine ash, protein, starch, sugars, TDF and fat content. Results showed that starch and sugars are the most abundant compounds in chestnut, followed by TDF; fat and protein are present in lower amount.