Chestnut harvest begins across Turkey's Aegean and Mediterranean regions

Chestnut harvesting is underway in several Turkish provinces, including Aydın, İzmir, and Manisa. In Aydın, which accounts for approximately 31% of Turkey's total chestnut production, the harvest is concentrated in districts such as Nazilli, Sultanhisar, and Köşk. The region produces about 25,500 tons annually, supported by biological pest control measures to protect trees from the chestnut gall wasp.

In İzmir's Ödemiş district, producers are harvesting various types, including the early-maturing Bursa variety, which is highly sought after for chestnut confectionery. These products are exported to markets in Europe, including Italy and Germany, as well as the Middle East.

In Manisa's Demirci district, farmers utilize traditional methods, such as storing chestnuts in pits lined with ferns for two to three months to facilitate shell removal and enhance flavor. This natural production process, which avoids chemical pesticides, makes the region a preferred supplier for confectionery manufacturers in Bursa. However, producers in some regions face challenges such as labor shortages in steep, mountainous terrain and rising operational costs.