Walnuts are the seeds of the walnut tree, which have been important to humans for millennia. Walnut trees are native to southwest Asia but are now grown all over the world. There are approximately 20 species of walnut trees - the three most popular are the Persian or English walnut (Juglans regia), the black walnut (Juglans nigra), and the white walnut (Juglans cinerea). The trees provide food, medicine, wood, dye, and oil. Walnuts were used by artists like Leonardo Da Vinci to make ink and oils and to dye fabrics and hair. The largest commercial producer of walnuts is China, with the United States a close second and 38% of the global supply coming from California.

Walnuts are considered one of the healthiest nuts in the world. They are high in copper, manganese, the B vitamins, and anti-oxidant phenolic acids. They are an excellent source of anti-inflammatory omega-3 & -6 fatty acids, with almost 70% of the nut being fat! Like many other nuts and seeds, walnuts rank high as a source of vitamin E, but the form it takes in walnuts is unusual. Most vitamin E is in the form of alpha-tocopherol - in walnuts it is gamma-tocopherol, which has proven particularly useful for the cardiovascular system.

Store unshelled walnuts in the fridge or freezer to prevent spoilage.

May 17th is National Walnut Day.

Ready to make your own walnut butter? Read through our guide first.
Suggested Flavor Pairings: chocolate, cinnamon, maca, nutmeg, rose, orange, fennel