Walnuts- its nutritional values, how to store them

Walnuts are a great way to add extra nutrition, flavour and crunch to a meal. The walnut comes from an ornamental tree, prized for its beauty. The kernel consists of two bumpy lobes that look like abstract butterflies. The lobes are off white in colour and covered by a thin, light brown skin. They are partially attached to each other. The kernels are enclosed in round or oblong shells that are brown in colour and very hard. While there are numerous species of walnut trees, three of the main types of nut consumed are the English walnut, the black walnut, and the white walnut.

Due to their high polyunsaturated fat content, walnuts are 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.

Nutritional profile

Walnuts are an excellent source of anti-inflammatory omega-3 essential fatty acids, in the form of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). Walnuts are rich in antioxidants and minerals such as manganese, copper, calcium, chromium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, vanadium and zinc.

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