Well, the Black Walnut was in fact part of many native American diets but most of the walnuts we eat today are actually English walnuts, which have a milder taste and broader appeal. They also have thinner, easier-to-crack shells. Black Walnuts on the other hand have a bolder, earthier flavor.
Did you know? Black Walnuts are the only all-wild tree nut in the United States. Nearly all Black Walnuts come from trees growing in the wild, while English walnuts come from orchards. The main difference between Black Walnuts and English walnuts are the rich, bold, distinctive flavor of the Black Walnut.
The juglans regia tree (English Walnut Tree) is smooth and soft with fewer ridges while the bark of the juglans nigra (Black Walnut Tree) is hard and grooved. The English walnut tree takes years before maturity, while the black walnut tree grows very fast. This is why black walnut trees are planted for timber.
Reminiscent of dark cocoa and coffee beans, Dark Walnut embraces the shadowy hues of black and brown. Woodgrain appears etched with charcoal, creating a sultry dance where light and dark meet.
Black walnuts are packed with antioxidants, and they're generally more nutritious than their more common walnut brethren.
Compared with five other tree nuts, Black Walnuts contain the most proteins and the fewest carbohydrates and starches. On the vitamin front, Black Walnuts include the most Panthothenic acid and the highest quantity of Vitamin B-6 when compared to other tree nuts.
The skin of the walnut kernels can get dark during the pre- and post-harvest stages of the production. Dark kernels are less palatable for most consumers but are still edible and maybe preferable, especially in the ground form, for industrial use.
The walnuts also contain a range of other nutrients that includes fiber, protein, melatonin, and folate, which is a type of B vitamin. Whether people eat them in nut form or take them as a supplement, black walnuts have many potential health benefits.
Color varies on the walnut kernels from light to dark. In spite of walnut color differences, there is no difference in quality. The darker color is usually caused by the position of the walnut on the tree. If the walnut came from the top of the tree, where it is exposed to the sun, then the walnut turns dark.
For instance, the black walnut is a top choice for buyers, given the quality of the veneer it produces. It also has a high demand in the furniture industry and manufacturing of other wooden items. Therefore, it will be quite lucrative to own a plantation to increase sales volume.
“Black walnuts are ready to be harvested when the hull can be dented with your thumb. You can also wait until the nuts start falling from the tree.”
Missouri had the most black walnut trees (57.9 million), followed by Ohio (24.6 million), and Kentucky (24.5 million). Together, these three states accounted for 35% of the total number of live black walnut trees on forest land.
There are five native walnut species in North America: black walnut, butternut, Arizona walnut and two species in California. The two most commonly found walnuts found in native locations are the black walnut and butternut.
Walnuts might cause bloating, stomach aches, and diarrhea among people with persisting digestive problems. Individuals with nut allergies should consult their doctors before consuming any walnuts. Walnuts are high in fats and calories, so consuming them in excess may contribute to weight gain and obesity.
Walnuts ripen in the fall. As the fruit matures, the hull softens and changes from solid green to a yellowish color. The fruits are mature and ready for harvest as soon as the hull can be dented with your thumb.
How to choose: Walnuts that are already shelled are convenient, but be aware that they do go rancid fairly quickly. Choose nutmeats that are plump and pale; avoid any that are shriveled or discolored. For whole nuts, avoid any where the shell shows signs of mold.
Black Walnuts are widely known for Hair Darkening Benefits -
While some wear it with pride, other prefer them covered. Black Walnut is an excellent ingredient for hair darkening. Crush the black walnuts and mix it in a natural hair pack. Or you can soak the black walnut in water and wash your hair regularly with it.
Fresh walnuts smell mildly nutty and taste sweet. If your walnuts smell like paint thinner, you know they're rancid. And if they're rancid, you should throw them away!
As you can see, the winner of the nutrition round really comes down to what your nutritional goals are. If you're trying to consume more omega-3's, then walnuts are a clear winner. On the other hand, if you're looking for a quick boost of protein, then almonds provide more protein at fewer calories.
Final Thoughts. As nutritious as walnuts are, you don't need lots of them to reap the benefits. Also, too much consumption has been associated with gastrointestinal discomfort, allergic reactions, and high-calorie intake, causing weight gain, Make it a routine to stick to anything between 7-10 walnuts per day.
Eating a handful of walnuts every day can lower your bad cholesterol level, known as LDL or low-density lipoprotein. In addition to providing your body with the nutritional benefits it needs, walnuts are linked to a reduction in inflammation.