Walnuts “Light”

Description

1. How it is grown and harvested: Central Asia is part of the natural homeland of the walnut, and wild walnut forests still grow in the mountains of the region. Hot summers, cool nights and clean mountain water help the nuts develop full, well-filled kernels with a rich flavour and a high content of healthy oils. These kernels come from walnuts grown in Uzbekistan’s orchards and mountain groves and harvested in autumn at full maturity. After hulling and natural drying in the shell, the nuts are cracked and the kernels are carefully extracted. Light kernels come from the freshest, best-quality nuts and have a pale golden colour and a mild, sweet, buttery taste with very little bitterness. The walnut is one of the most important traditional nut crops of Uzbekistan, and the country’s mountain walnut forests are among the oldest in the world. Light kernels are typically obtained from fresh, well-dried nuts that were hulled and dried promptly after harvest.

2. Processing and packaging details: The kernels are sorted by colour, with light kernels separated from brown and dark ones, and inspected to remove shell fragments, membranes and foreign matter. They are graded into halves and pieces as required. To protect their delicate oils, the kernels are packed in food-grade, moisture-resistant packaging (vacuum or nitrogen-flushed where required) inside export cartons, and should be kept cool and dry. Walnuts are rich in delicate oils, so they should be stored cool (ideally 0–10 °C) and dry, away from light and strong odours. In-shell walnuts keep their quality for up to 12 months; kernels are best stored refrigerated and used within 6–12 months. Each lot can be supplied with export documentation, including a phytosanitary certificate and certificate of origin, on request.

3. Health benefits and nutrition: Light walnut kernels are rich in plant omega-3 (ALA), healthy unsaturated fats, plant protein, fibre, magnesium, copper and vitamin E, and contain polyphenol antioxidants. A small daily handful is an easy way to add valuable nutrients to the diet. Contains tree nuts. Their mild flavour makes light kernels popular with children and with consumers who find darker walnuts too bitter. Light kernels are the premium choice for retail packs, confectionery, baking, salads, desserts, ice cream, breakfast cereals and gourmet dishes where both taste and appearance are important. They are also excellent for stuffing dried apricots, prunes and figs.

Typical values. Raw kernels. No added salt or sugar.