Chestnuts Roasting on an open Fire.

Instead of growing chestnut trees from seed, researchers at Michigan State University use tissue cultures to grow multiple clonal chestnut plants from a single parent plant selected for its desirable genetic traits, giving scientists control and consistency over the genetic variables.

"With a tissue culture, we know who the parents are. We want a plant that can resist harsh winters, chestnut blight, soil-borne disease. Asian chestnut gall wasp, and the latest pest du jour." says Daniel Guyer. professor of biosystems and agricultural engineering.

While researchers and growers desire certain characteristics, consumers also want specific qualities from their chestnuts. Some prefer smaller ones that are about an inch or less in size, while others want the Colossal chestnuts that can grow as large as two inches in diameter. Consumers and restaurants want chestnuts that are easy to peel...