"60-80 pcs/kg", "T2 grade", "30-50 count" — Chinese chestnut quotes read like code if you haven't bought before. Misreading them is expensive: order the wrong size for your market and the product sits. This guide translates the grading system into buying decisions.

Reading the Grade Code

Chinese export chestnuts are sized by pieces per kilogram (pcs/kg). Fewer pieces = larger nuts. The numbers in a quote (e.g. 60-80) define the range within one grade. A smaller range (60-65) is a tighter spec — more uniform, slightly higher price. Japanese and Korean buyers often add a diameter spec in mm (e.g. 28-32mm) for retail uniformity.

Taishan T Series

Shandong Taishan chestnuts: classic sweet flavor, shiny dark shell, medium size. T1 premium (55-70 pcs/kg) for gift/retail; T2 standard (70-90) for roasting and wholesale; T3 (90-125) for processing. The 2026 season has abundant T2 supply — excellent value.

Dandong 00 Series

Liaoning Dandong chestnuts: Japan/Korea's favorite. Larger (00 series = 30-60 pcs/kg), softer texture, creamier flavor, early-maturing. The 2026 frost reduced volume ~15%, so large kernels carry a premium and benefit from early commitment.

Mapping to Your Market

  • Japan/Korea gift retail: 30-50 pcs/kg, sorted, 1-2kg gift boxes → Dandong 00 or premium Taishan T1.
  • Street roasting / fresh retail: 55-80 pcs/kg → Taishan T1/T2.
  • Wholesale market sacks: 70-125 pcs/kg → T2/T3 by price.
  • Processing (flour, puree, IQF): size matters least; buy on defect rate and price → T3 or direct-from-processors.

Expensive Mistakes to Avoid

  • Assuming pcs/kg is universal. Some sellers quote "count per lb" (mostly US-facing). Convert before comparing.
  • Ignoring defect-rate terms. Same size grade, 3% vs 8% defect tolerance is a different product. Get defect %, mold %, and wormhole % in writing on the spec sheet.
  • Buying one grade for two channels. Retail needs uniformity; processing doesn't. Split the order and save on the processing half.

We ship every grade with a signed spec sheet and pre-shipment photos. Ask for the current grade sheet for your target market.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does "60-80 pcs/kg" actually mean?

Between 60 and 80 chestnuts per kilogram — i.e., each nut weighs roughly 12.5-16.7g. Lower numbers mean bigger nuts and higher prices.

Which grade is best for roasting?

55-80 pcs/kg is the classic roasting range: big enough for street-roast presentation, small enough to roast through evenly.

Are Dandong chestnuts worth the premium over Taishan?

For Japan/Korea retail — yes, size and texture are what that consumer pays for. For roasting and processing, Taishan delivers equal flavor at lower cost.