Thanks in part to their frequent promotion on social media , walnuts have exploded in popularity in recent years. While just over 160,000 metric tons of the nut were exported globally in 2010, that number reached 324,700 by the end of 2021. Now, the global walnut market has reached a staggering $8.8 billion, per one analysis , and it’s expected to climb to over $11 billion by the end of the decade.
Though there’s no denying the nut’s sweet taste, unique flavor profile, or the satisfaction of cracking into one, many people don’t realize just how nutritious they are nor how many dishes they are popularly included in. "Walnuts are very versatile and can be eaten raw by the handful, sprinkled onto salads, cereal and oatmeal , and are commonly used in many baked goods recipes," says Roxana E h sani , a registered dietitian nutritionist and board-certified sports dietitian. What are walnuts?
Walnuts are a tree nut that originated some 7,000 years ago where Iran is today. They are grown in many countries, but the United States, China, Iran, Chile and Ukraine are the top producers globally. Nearly all the walnuts grown in the U.S. are produced in California, because the state’s climate and fertile soil are ideal for their cultivation, per California Grown .
Walnut trees can live up to 300 years, but most California walnut orchards are replanted every 35 years because the trees become less productive as they age. While there are multiple walnut types available across the world, most people eat either black or English walnuts , with English being significantly more common. English walnuts are also sometimes known as Persian walnuts because of the nut’s early cultivation in that region of the world. Are walnuts good for you?
No matter which variety you enjoy, walnuts are packed with nutrition. They contain calcium , vitamin B6, magnesium, riboflavin, niacin, folate , manganese, vitamin C, phosphorous, potassium, zinc, and a significant percentage of one’s daily iron needs , according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture .
"Walnuts are also an excellent source of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which is […]
Yes, walnuts are good for you. But people with this medical condition should avoid them.
