Walnuts

Walnut Tree

History

History

The walnut is native to southeast Europe and west and central Asia. It is thought that the walnuts grown in North America gained the moniker “English walnuts,” since they were introduced into America via English merchant ships.

Walnuts Today

The English walnut is the most popular type in the United States and features a thinner shell that is easily broken with a nutcracker.

Season, Ripeness and Storage

State Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Arizona            
California            
In-Season  

Season

Walnuts are harvested in California from late August through November.

Ripeness

When purchasing whole walnuts that have not been shelled, choose those that feel heavy for their size.

Storage

Due to their high polyunsaturated fat content, walnuts are extremely perishable and care should be taken in their storage. Shelled walnuts should be stored in an airtight container and placed in the refrigerator, where they will keep for six months, or the freezer, where they will last for one year. Unshelled walnuts should preferably be stored in the refrigerator, although as long as you keep them in a cool, dry, dark place they will stay fresh for up to six months.

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 1 ounce
Amount Per Serving  
Calories: 185  
  % Daily Value*
Total Fat: 18.49g 0%
Cholesterol: 0mg 0%
Sodium: 0mg 0%
Total Carbohydrate: 3.89g 1.3%
     Dietary Fiber: 1.9 0% 
     Sugars: 0.74g  
Protein: 4.32g  
Vitamin A 0.12% Vitamin C 0.67%
Calcium 2.8% Iron 4.56%
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Source: USDA National Nutrient Database

An excellent source of omega-3 essential fatty acids, a special type of protective fat the body cannot manufacture. Walnuts’ concentration of omega-3s (a quarter-cup provides 90.8% of the daily value for these essential fats) has many potential health benefits ranging from cardiovascular protection, to the promotion of better cognitive function, to anti-inflammatory benefits helpful in asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory skin diseases such as eczema and psoriasis. In addition, walnuts contain an antioxidant compound called ellagic acid that supports the immune system and appears to have several anticancer properties.

Fun Facts

  • Grown for timber as well as its nuts. Uses include food, medicine, shelter, dye and lamp oil.
  • Walnuts have often been thought of as a “brain food”.

    Helpful Links

  • California Walnuts
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