An Inside Look at JVI Imports’ 2024 Greek Chestnut Season

JVI Imports, the imports division of John Vena Inc., has officially kicked off their chestnut program for the 2024 season.

Their program exclusively features European chestnuts out of Greece, specifically the castanea sativa variety. This variety has a long-standing place in human history – it has been cultivated in Asia for as long as 6,00 years and in Europe for 3,000 years.

Before getting into the details about the JVI Imports season, it’s good to know some chestnut basics first:

• Chestnuts grow on large trees and have a sharp, spiky husk. This husk is known as a burr.
• Inside the burr, which is removed before shipping, are 1-3 kernels. Kernels are a part of the chestnut that everyone is likely familiar with. They are what gets shipped and stocked on grocery store shelves.
• Kernels have a smooth lacquered shell that houses a firm but tender nut.

Know that you know the basics, it’s time to get into detail about the JVI Imports season:

Why JVI Imports’ Greek Chestnuts?

JVI Imports partners with Artion, a distributor of fine nuts in Greece for over 30 years. Artion began exporting authentic Greek chestnuts in 2014, and work with over 1,300 farmers across Greece to produce a truly authentic nut.

To date, they have exported over 5,000 tons of chestnuts – making them one of the largest exporters of Greek chestnuts.

What do Greek Chestnuts Taste Like?

JVI Imports’ Greek chestnuts are dense and starchy in flavor, with notes of nut and sweet potato.

How to Store Chestnuts

Chestnuts should be stored between 30-32°F with a relative humidity of 90-95%. For best shelf-life, do not store below 30°F.

How do I Merchandise Greek Chestnuts?

For the first time, the 2024 JVI Imports’ chestnut season will feature a retail-friendly pack with a working UPC.

The season also arrives as Thanksgiving promotions are beginning. Consider incorporating chestnuts into holiday displays. Chestnuts can not only be used from Thanksgiving to New Years, they can also easily be cross-merchandised with other holiday items, like stuffing mix. Just be sure to always be food safe within displays as chestnuts are a tree nut.

How do I Use Greek Chestnuts at my Restaurant?

The simplest way to prepare chestnuts is by roasting. They can be boiled as well, but this will lessen the flavor. These roasted chestnuts can then be used in a number of dishes.

Chestnuts shine in savory applications, like soups, but are most often used in stuffings. For seasonal menus, consider using chestnuts to stuff other seasonal varieties, like acorn squash.

Chestnuts can also be used is sweet applications. One of the most well-known chestnuts desserts is mont blanc, a tart filled with creamy chestnut puree.

Where do I find JVI Imports’ Greek Chestnuts?

Now that you’ve gotten an inside look at JVI Imports’ Greek Chestnut season, you may be asking yourself what’s next?

Well, the answer is simple. Start by determining your chestnut needs. Is there a segment in your audience for chestnuts? From there, determine the volume that would suit your business needs.

Also consider visiting the Philadelphia Wholesale Produce Market. Check out the different pack sizes available by visiting John Vena Inc. in the F-Tower.

If you’re not close to Philadelphia, you can always contact JVI to determine logistics and how you can get your hands on Greek chestnuts.