Enjoy Heart Healthy and Great Tasting
Walnuts
Many of us have made New Year’s resolutions to make
healthy food choices. One of those great
choices is walnuts. Walnuts have many
health benefits.
Walnuts offer a variety of antioxidants. According to an
evidence-based review, antioxidants help to protect from certain chronic
diseases of aging, including cardiovascular, neurological and anticarcinogenic
ailments due to their ability to control free radicals, known to negatively
influence healthy aging.
In addition to antioxidants and essential ALA/omega-3
fatty acids, an ounce of walnuts provides a convenient source of protein (4
grams) and fiber (2 grams). Most Americans don't get enough dietary fiber which
promotes healthy bowel function and helps you feel full — a key component in
maintaining a healthy weight. Walnuts are also a good source of magnesium (44
mg/oz) and phosphorus (98 mg/oz) – both important minerals involved in the
body's processes and necessary for achieving optimal wellness.
In-shell
walnuts are available in bags and in bulk bins, typically in the produce
section. Buy for holiday decorating, festive snacking, and for social after-meal cracking sessions. Most readily
available during the fall and winter months, so if you like to have in-shell
walnuts on hand throughout the year, be sure to stock up in the fall!
Shelled
walnuts are available in bags and in bulk bins. Look for them in the produce
section, snacking and baking aisles at your local supermarket. Sold as halves,
halves and pieces, pieces and chopped, among other forms. Shelled walnuts are
available in supermarkets and club stores year-round.
The
fresh taste of walnuts can be maintained by keeping them cold. Walnuts go
rancid when exposed to warm temperatures for long periods of time. Heat causes
the fat in walnuts to change structure, which creates off odors and flavors.
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!
When
bringing walnuts home from the store, the best place to store them is in the
refrigerator or freezer, depending on when you’re going to use them. If you’re
going to use the walnuts right away, place them in your refrigerator. If you’ll
be storing them for a month or longer, store them in your freezer.
If
walnuts are in sealed packaging, store in their original packaging. Once the
bag is open, transfer the walnuts to an airtight container to maintain
freshness. If walnuts are bought in bulk, either in-shell or shelled, place the
walnuts in an airtight container for long-term cold storage.
When
storing walnuts in your refrigerator, store them away from foods with strong
odors (e.g. fish, cabbage, onions). Walnuts can absorb the flavors of other
foods.
Wait
to shell or chop walnuts until you’re ready to use them. The same applies for
ground walnut meal; don’t grind walnuts until you’re ready to add the walnut
meal to your recipe. This will help maintain great flavor.
Source:
California Walnut Website
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