Walnuts are recommended as a snack for day trips and hikes since they can be eaten in fairly generous quantities; they are the only oily fruit with a slightly acidic reaction, which is why they are better suited to a diet rich in fruit, vegetables, milk, and so on.

In Italy, the most widely cultivated walnut variety is the Sorrento, a prized and ancient cultivar with a thin shell and a tender, flavoursome, low-oil kernel. The harvest of this variety, still firmly rooted in tradition, is carried out by hand and is followed by open-air drying of the fruit on racks in well-ventilated areas.

Nutritional values of walnuts

Walnuts are the most energy-rich oily fruit in Europe, the highest in fats and among the lowest in protein. In addition to proteins and carbohydrates, they contain minerals, above all zinc and copper, as well as vitamins A, B1, B2, B5 and P.P.

Walnuts are good for you: here are the benefits and properties

A tonic for the nervous system, beneficial for people with diabetes, those suffering from anaemia, skin conditions and stomach weakness, the walnut is a restorative food that should not be missing from the diet of people convalescing, children and the elderly; however, be aware that walnuts and their oil turn rancid easily and can then become difficult to digest.

How to use walnut husks

The husk has antiseptic and keratinising properties and is used in the treatment of skin conditions. Due to its ability to dye things brown, it is used in tanning products and to give hair a chestnut tone. For this purpose, prepare a decoction of 200 grams of walnut husk per litre of water and add 300 grams of pure alcohol: apply it to the hair after shampooing.

The oil obtained from the kernels is one of the finest cosmetic emollients, with marked skin-permeation properties.

Desserts and other recipes with walnuts

Baked wholemeal penne with pumpkin, gorgonzola and walnuts

Energy spaghetti with (homemade) walnut sauce

This walnut pesto is simple and full of flavour. It provides precious fats for the heart and brain. The ideal way to start the new year with energy!

Farro salad with cavolo nero, goat's cheese and walnuts

A simple and quick way to prepare, during the winter months, a farro salad with cavolo nero and make it extra tempting with goat's cheese and walnuts

Tortellini with creamed spinach, mushrooms and walnuts

An unusual dressing for tortellini, with vegetables, walnuts and rice milk. Those who prefer a less creamy result can add less milk to achieve a thicker sauce

Savoy cabbage, cavolo nero, orange and walnut salad

The savoy cabbage, cavolo nero, orange and walnut salad is enriched with pomegranate and a tahini-based dressing. A seasonal recipe to be thoroughly enjoyed!

Radicchio and walnut salad

The radicchio and walnut salad is made even more enticing with the addition of gorgonzola.

Walnut biscuits, an easy and quick recipe

Crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, walnut biscuits are perfect at any time of day. And they can be given as a gift on a special occasion.