Fresh Walnut (Green Walnut)

What Is Fresh Walnut (Green Walnut)?

Fresh walnut is the early-stage form of the walnut tree's fruit, harvested before it ripens, while its outer husk is still green and its inner shell has not yet hardened. In Turkey it is also known as "yaş ceviz" (wet walnut) and is found in markets for a short period during summer.

At this stage the inside has not yet hardened and has a juicy, soft texture; instead of the sharp, oily taste characteristic of the ripe dry walnut, it carries a milder, milky taste.

Nutritional Value of Fresh Walnut

100 grams of fresh walnut contains about 450 kcal of energy; compared to the dry walnut stage, it has lower fat and a higher water and vitamin C content. Values vary with harvest time and are approximate.

How Should Fresh Walnut Be Consumed?

Fresh walnut is consumed as part of a balanced diet, as a nut-group food alongside other food groups.

This information is general; fresh walnut is a food, not a substitute for medical treatment. People with nut allergies should also avoid fresh walnut.

How to Choose Fresh Walnut?

A good fresh walnut is one whose outer husk is vivid green and firm, and whose interior is white-milky in color. Ones with a blackened husk or a hardened interior may have passed their season.

• The outer husk should be vivid green and firm
• The interior should be white-milky in color when opened
• The husk should not be crushed or rotten

How to Store Fresh Walnut?

Fresh walnut keeps its freshness in the refrigerator for a few days; once its husk is peeled, it can darken quickly on contact with air, so it is recommended to be consumed shortly after.

Using Fresh Walnut in the Kitchen

Fresh walnut is most often eaten directly raw as a snack, and used in certain regional jam and syrup-based dessert recipes; making jam with the husk still on is a traditional use.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between fresh walnut and dry walnut?

They are different ripeness stages of the same fruit; fresh walnut is juicy-soft and mildly sweet, while dry walnut has hardened, has a higher fat content, and a sharper taste.

Why does fresh walnut husk stain hands?

The tannin compounds in the husk oxidize on contact with air, leaving a dark brown stain; this stain may not come off easily with soap.

How is fresh walnut jam made?

Fresh walnuts gathered with their husks on are soaked in water for days to remove their bitterness, then simmered for a long time with sugar to turn into a dark, aromatic jam.