UPDATE(Oct/23/2024) End of Chestnut Season:
The season is over now, and we are no longer selling pick-your-own or fresh pre-picked nuts on the roadside. However, we do still have plenty of nuts in our freezers,
and will be selling vacuum-packed-frozen and frozen-in-a-box nuts going forward into the holidays. Please write to our contact email to place any orders for local delivery and pick-up.
At this point Trygve is busy cleaning up and putting equipment away, but he will make a point to check the email every day or so, and to find a time and place to get you your nuts.
Note, we do not have any quantities smaller than 2lbs for vacuum-bagged-frozen or 5lbs for boxed-frozen. Please check our prices for more details.
Nuts should be kept frozen until cooked to preserve quality. Otherwise, see you next year!
Fall 2024 Status Update: 5 years since beginning our annual roadside chestnut sales event, and 3 years since installing our new roadside pull-off,
we are continuing to evolve our process and improve our offerings. This year our pre-picked nuts will be graded into regular and jumbo sizes.
Check our prices section for more details. In addition Trygve will be publishing a blog soon, and updating this main-page to reflect some changes in our process,
as well as explain a bit more in detail about our farm in general. In the works: a recipes page, beeswax candles, and fresh mushrooms grown on chestnut waste and compost.
*Note, we currently accept cash and check only.*
Tinkerland Farm is a family farm located across the road from Bryant Ln on Rt 151 in Nelson County, Virginia.
It is named after the late Tinker Bryant(Frank George Jr.) who lived on Bryant Ln and worked as the rural letter carrier out of the Roseland postoffice for many years.
He is survived by two of his daughters, Rebecca Moyer who owns A Bryant Family Farm on Bryant Lane, and Sarah Loken who owns Tinkerland Farm on the East side of Rt.151 including a 10 acre chestnut orchard.
The chestnut harvest at Tinkerland Farm generally starts slowly with the first nuts beginning to fall mid-September before coming into full swing by the 1st of October,
and lasting until the 3rd week in October. During this time, we sell the chestnuts, along with potentially some other farm products, by the gate to the orchard and Rt 151.
We also welcome people to come walk around the orchard and pick up nuts themselves for a discount.
You can find more info for hours, prices and directions in the toolbar above. Continue reading below to learn more about the orchard.
The Chestnut Orchard
We began planting the chestnut orchard in the spring of 2012 with 225 trees in a 10 acre field formerly occupied by cows.
Despite losing some trees in a fire in 2014, by the summer of 2015 we had expanded to 450+ trees planted.
In 2021 we harvested 700 lbs of nuts(with many left unpicked and eaten by animals).
In 2022 we harvested more than 1000 lbs of nuts, but were overwhelmed with picking them all up,
so this summer we cut down approximately 90 trees in an attempt to improve the average nut quality, and make the harvest more manageable.
This summer we also experimented with allowing the grass to grow tall, providing food all summer for bees and butterflies, though as of September 1st the grass has been cut,
and we are now keeping it short throughout the remainder of this year's harvest.
The variety of chestnut planted at Tinkerland Farm is called a Dunstan Hybrid Chestnut,
which is a cross between the American(Castanea dentata) Chestnut and the Chinese(Castanea mollissima) Chestnut.
Dunstan Chestnuts are the primary variety of chestnut cultivated in America, due to their resistance to The Chestnut Blight(Cryphonectria parasitica)
which wiped out the American Chestnut in the beginning of the 20th century. However, because they are a hybrid there is noticeable variability between the nuts of each tree,
and each tree will produce nuts of different sizes. Consequently all our harvested nuts are graded, and small nuts thrown out, before further processing for our pre-picked offering.
We are currently only selling in person this year, and offer both a pick-your-own option as well as pre-picked nuts by the pound.
Our chestnuts are unsprayed so we heat-treat the harvested refrigerated nuts with warm air at 120°F as a preventative against chestnut weevil larvae.
We also sell frozen nuts. Freezing also kills weevil eggs. We pick up nuts on a rolling basis to minimize the amount of time the nuts lay on the ground before processing.
Due to the Chestnut Weevil(Curculio elephas) we recommend pick-your-own customers keep the nuts frozen until ready to cook/eat.
Alternatively, pick-your-own customers can try to heat-treat at home using a crockpot, however nuts should be thoroughly dried after soaking to prevent molding.
Another options is to cook the nuts as soon as possible and store in the fridge.
We believe wildlife should be free to roam, so there are no tall fences surrounding the orchard.
Consequently, there may be animal droppings in the orchard. We recommend rinsing the nuts before consuming raw.
Chestnuts are generally higher in carbohydrates than other nuts, like for example walnuts and pecans, which are relatively higher in fats and proteins.
Don't forget to bring your leather gloves to pick-your-own because chestnuts form inside a prickly burr/husk/hull. We also offer gloves for sale on site.
Cooking & Nutrition
Chestnuts are gluten free, cholesterol free, high in fiber, and a good source of anti-oxidants. Raw chestnuts are a great source of vitamin C.
To cook a pound of chestnuts in the microwave, simply cut an "X" in each nut using a knife and cutting board,
and place the nuts in the microwave in a covered bowl. Run on high for roughly 3-5 minutes depending on wattage.
The outer skin will peel back off the nuts when they are ready.
To roast using a conventional oven simply cut an "X" in each nut, and bake at 425°F for 15-20 minutes.
Here are some nutritional facts about chestnuts curtesy of Wikipedia and USDA:
Hours
Mon-Thur: Closed
Friday: Closed (stay tuned to find out 2024 schedule)
Saturday: Closed (stay tuned to find out 2024 schedule)
Sunday: Closed (stay tuned to find out 2024 schedule)
*Note: We are not selling pre-picked nuts on the first weekend of the harvest(Sep/20-22), though the nuts have begun to fall as of Sep/18th, and we will be open.
The last weekend(Oct/18-20) the harvest will be wrapping up, and so we invite people to come and pick for free that weekend, and to buy pre-picked nuts and honey.
Also we may be open again later in the season going into November to coincide with various other local events. Check back for updates.*
Please write to the contact email to schedule to pick up nuts in the orchard outside regular hours, and to find out about our volume discounts.
We accept cash or check.
Prices
Pick-Your-Own Chestnuts: $5 per lb.(Up to 40%[$3/lb] volume discounts - see below for details).The season is over. See you next year!
Pick-Your-Own Discounts:
<less than< 12lbs(1 peck--): no discount($5/lb) ...= $1-($60 rounds down to)$54
>more than> 48lbs(1 bushel++): 40% discount($3/lb) ...= $144-$as much as you can pick
*Note: Chestnuts will be measured by volume at checkout, and converted to an estimated weight to determine the price.
A key number to remember is that 12lbs of chestnuts fit into roughly 2 gallons(on the level / slightly above the level).
The weight of a volume of nuts can vary somewhat depending on multiple factors, but estimates should be accurate within 5% of the real weight.
I got to this number by applying a 3-4% difference based on the mathematical problem of packing of idealized spheres in a container, and adding 1-2% for any potential variance in moisture content or error in reading the level.
Please don't hesitate to let us know if our weight estimates are not sufficiently accurate.
In addition to a two gallon measuring bucket it is also useful to know that our green baskets carry roughly 6lbs(1gal, 1/2peck) of nuts at the brim.
In addition, one bushel of chestnuts roughly equals 8x of our 1/2 peck green baskets or 1x 5-gallon bucket plus 3x 1/2-peck green basket of nuts.*
* The weight of the chestnuts is visually estimated by the basket; this is done in the shell(without the prickly outer burr/hull/husk). The Tinkerland Farm chestnuts orchard is a no spray orchard, so customers will have to either freeze or
cook their pick-your-own chestnuts within a couple days of bringing them home. Processing with a dehydrator is also possibly effective - the critical temperature to nullify weevils is 120°F.
We offer pre-picked nuts in varying options and grades as listed below:
*Note, the nut 'grade' represents the larger of the two smallest dimensions of the nut, and is the size of the hole that is just small enough to prevent a nut from falling through it. There is generally one dimension larger for any nut of a specific grade.
Fresh-Unpasteurized Chestnuts:Out of Stock
* The Tinkerland Farm chestnuts orchard is a no spray orchard, so there is a potential in our unpasteurized nuts to develop weevil grubs if kept for too long. We recommend customers cook or freeze their unpasteurized nuts within a couple days of bringing them home.
All nuts are sorted into either regular(1"+), Jumbo(1-1/8"+), or Super-Jumbo(1-1/4"+) grades. All nuts are sold in their shells. Warning: cooking fresh chestnuts without scoring the shell first will cause them to explode in the pan.
$14 per 1 lb box of Super-Jumbo Nuts(1-1/4"+ grade) $56 per 5 lb box, and $12 per box for any order of 2x or more
$10 per 1 lb box of Jumbo Nuts(1-1/8"+ grade) $40 per 5 lb box, and $9 per box for any order of 2x or more
$8 per 1 lb box of regular nuts(1"+ grade) $32 per 5 lb box, and $7 per box for any order of 2x or more
Fresh-Pasteurized Chestnuts:Out of Stock
* The Tinkerland Farm chestnuts orchard is a no spray orchard, so all our fresh nuts are heated in our warm-air-pasteurizer up to 120°F for 30 minutes as a preventative agains developing weevils. Air temperature is carefully controlled as to not damage the germ of the nut.
All nuts are sorted into either regular(1"+), Jumbo(1-1/8"+), or Super-Jumbo(1-1/4"+) grades. All nuts are sold in their shells. Warning: cooking fresh chestnuts without scoring the shell first will cause them to explode in the pan.
$15 per 1 lb box of Super-Jumbo Nuts(1-1/4"+ grade) $60 per 5 lb box, and $13 per box for any order of 2x or more
$11 per 1 lb box of Jumbo Nuts(1-1/8"+ grade) $44 per 5 lb box, and $10 per box for any order of 2x or more
$9 per 1 lb box of regular nuts(1"+ grade) $36 per 5 lb box, and $8 per box for any order of 2x or more
Vacuum-Packed & Frozen Chestnuts:
* Tinkerland Farm frozen chestnuts are vacuum-bagged to preserve freshness for extra-long shelf-life in your freezer. Freezing also kills weevils, and so there is no danger of developing grubs after they are frozen. Note, all nuts are in their shell.
Parboiling can aid in the pealing process.
$26 per 2 lb bag of Super-Jumbo Nuts(1-1/4"+ grade)*Supply Limited* $24 per bag for any order of 2x or more
$19 per 2 lb bag of Jumbo Nuts(1-1/8"+ grade) $18 per bag for any order of 2x or more
$16 per 2 lb bag of regular nuts(1"+ grade) $15 per bag for any order of 2x or more
Boxed & Frozen Chestnuts:
* Boxed and frozen chestnuts are good for more than a month in the freezer, but will slowly desiccate and become hard. They must be rehydrated in simmering water before shelling and then cooking. Simmering time may vary depending on how long they have been stored.
$56 per 5 lb box of Super-Jumbo Nuts(1-1/4"+ grade)*Supply Limited*
$40 per 5 lb box of Jumbo Nuts(1-1/8"+ grade)
$32 per 5 lb box of regular nuts(1"+ grade)
Honey!(Supply Limited) >8< 🐝Out of Stock
$27 per 1 quart(32oz) jar
$16 per 1 pint(16oz) jar
$10 per 1/2 pint(8oz) jar
$6 per 4oz jar
Check back later for availability on Beeswax Candles and Bar Soap
Remember to bring your leather gloves! Alternatively we have gloves for sale in various sizes for $5 a pair. Gloves are only for sale to people who intend to pick nuts.
We accept cash or check.
Directions
The orchard is located along Patrick Henry Hwy(VA-151) across from the intersection of Bryant Ln(781) and Patrick Henry Hwy(VA-151), in Roseland, VA.
The entrance is approximately 80 yards down 151 on the right going northbound from the intersection with Bryant Ln. Parking is located along the fence-line next to the orchard. Click here for google maps
Alternatively copy+paste the gps coordinates: 37°48'20.9"N 78°56'59.5"W (37.805808, -78.949868)
We accept cash or check.
Contact/Ordering/Hiring
Please email us at contact@tinkerlandfarm.com for general questions and feedback, or if you would like to pick up nuts outside of regular hours.
If you would like to place an order, please write to contact+orders@tinkerlandfarm.com, and we can figure something out.
If you are looking for work, please use contact+hiring@tinkerlandfarm.com(please include your name and a good contact number).
We began planting the chestnut orchard in the spring of 2012 with 225 trees in a 10 acre field formerly occupied by cows.
Despite losing some trees in a fire in 2014, by the summer of 2015 we had expanded to 450+ trees planted.
In 2021 we harvested 700 lbs of nuts(with many left unpicked and eaten by animals).
In 2022 we harvested more than 1000 lbs of nuts, but were overwhelmed with picking them all up,
so this summer we cut down approximately 90 trees in an attempt to improve the average nut quality, and make the harvest more manageable.
This summer we also experimented with allowing the grass to grow tall, providing food all summer for bees and butterflies, though as of September 1st the grass has been cut,
and we are now keeping it short throughout the remainder of this year's harvest.
which wiped out the American Chestnut in the beginning of the 20th century. However, because they are a hybrid there is noticeable variability between the nuts of each tree,
and each tree will produce nuts of different sizes. Consequently all our harvested nuts are graded, and small nuts thrown out, before further processing for our pre-picked offering.
We are currently only selling in person this year, and offer both a pick-your-own option as well as pre-picked nuts by the pound.
Our chestnuts are unsprayed so we heat-treat the harvested refrigerated nuts with warm air at 120°F as a preventative against chestnut weevil larvae.
We also sell frozen nuts. Freezing also kills weevil eggs. We pick up nuts on a rolling basis to minimize the amount of time the nuts lay on the ground before processing.
Due to the Chestnut Weevil(Curculio elephas) we recommend pick-your-own customers keep the nuts frozen until ready to cook/eat.
Alternatively, pick-your-own customers can try to heat-treat at home using a crockpot, however nuts should be thoroughly dried after soaking to prevent molding.
Another options is to cook the nuts as soon as possible and store in the fridge.
We believe wildlife should be free to roam, so there are no tall fences surrounding the orchard.
Consequently, there may be animal droppings in the orchard. We recommend rinsing the nuts before consuming raw.
Chestnuts are generally higher in carbohydrates than other nuts, like for example walnuts and pecans, which are relatively higher in fats and proteins.
Don't forget to bring your leather gloves to pick-your-own because chestnuts form inside a prickly burr/husk/hull. We also offer gloves for sale on site.
Chestnuts are gluten free, cholesterol free, high in fiber, and a good source of anti-oxidants. Raw chestnuts are a great source of vitamin C.
To cook a pound of chestnuts in the microwave, simply cut an "X" in each nut using a knife and cutting board,
and place the nuts in the microwave in a covered bowl. Run on high for roughly 3-5 minutes depending on wattage.
The outer skin will peel back off the nuts when they are ready.
To roast using a conventional oven simply cut an "X" in each nut, and bake at 425°F for 15-20 minutes.
