What Do Black Walnuts Taste Like?
Black walnut stands out not only for its potential health benefits but also for its unique, rich flavor that distinguishes it from regular walnuts. So, what exactly does the taste of black walnut entail, and how can you prepare it to soften its intense flavor? We will explore these aspects and more in today's article.
Before exploring further, please read the disclaimer located at the end of this webpage.
Key Takeaways
- Black walnut has a fruity aroma, a rich flavor, and a mild bitter aftertaste, which is quite different from regular walnuts.
- You can reduce the bitterness of black walnuts by lightly roasting them, soaking them in salt, or seasoning them with spices.
- Some common uses for black walnufts include pesto sauces, pâté served with bread, pasta, seasoned nut mixes, and as an ingredient in dietary supplements.
Health Benefits Of Black Walnuts
According to a 2020 review study, black walnuts contain plant compounds such as phenolics, phenolic acids, flavonoids, tannins, phytosterols, fatty acids, and tocopherols. These components play an essential role in providing black walnuts potential health benefits, including [1]:
- Antioxidant properties: Black walnut extract has demonstrated excellent antioxidant capabilities due to the phenolic compounds it contains. This property can generate various bioactivities that may be important for improving human health.
- Antibacterial activity: The presence of phenolic compounds can inhibit bacterial growth by disrupting membrane structures and blocking bacterial synthesis activities.
- Diabetes management: The linoleic acid content in black walnuts is beneficial for insulin sensitivity when saturated fats and metabolized fatty acids are replaced by unsaturated fatty acids, reducing the risks associated with type 2 diabetes.
- Cardiovascular protection: Black walnut is a rich source of MUFAs, PUFAs, and tocopherols, which provide protective effects against cardiovascular diseases.
What Do Black Walnuts Taste Like?
Black walnut has a distinctive and complex flavor that is very different from regular walnuts. It has a fruity aroma, combined with hints of nutty and buttery notes, and a strong, rich flavor with a balance of sweetness, nuttiness, and a slight bitterness [1] [2].
Together, these create a complex and unique taste experience that is easy to recognize but also quite novel compared to other common nuts.
How To Improve The Flavor Of Black Walnuts
To reduce the bitter aftertaste of black walnut and enhance its flavor, you can prepare it in the following ways:
- Roasting: Lightly roast the black walnuts at a low temperature for a few minutes to lessen the bitterness while also making them crunchier, more aromatic, and easier to use.
- Soaking in saltwater: To remove the bitterness, you can soak the black walnut in saltwater for a few hours and then rinse it clean.
- Seasoning: You can also try combining black walnut with various spices to balance its flavor.
Ways To Cook Black Walnuts
Salted Candied Black Walnuts
This is a quick and nutritious snack to replenish after physical activities. The preparation is very simple—just roast the walnuts with sugar and a pinch of salt until the sugar and salt coat the surface of the nuts. You can adjust the amount of sugar and salt according to your taste preferences.
Georgian Walnut Spread
In Georgia, black walnut is often ground into a paste with various spices to create a type of pâté, which is perfect for pairing with light dishes such as bread or vegetables. You can use this preparation method to make black walnut pâté at home and enjoy it with bread instead of fruit jams like strawberry or orange marmalade.
Black Walnut Pesto
Another preparation method is to combine black walnuts with basil, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese to create a unique pesto sauce. You can then use this sauce as a topping for bread or cook it with pasta for a delicious dish.
Other Uses For Black Walnuts
Culinary: Black walnuts are commonly used as a key ingredient in granola bars and other baked goods.
Beauty: Black walnut oil is pressed for use in skincare products. It helps to moisturize dry skin, support acne treatment, and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Additionally, the shells of black walnuts are ground into a fine powder to make natural cleansers or DIY exfoliants.
Dietary Supplements: In addition to being used in delicious foods, black walnut is widely incorporated into dietary supplements due to its rich benefits. The most common forms are capsule supplements made from black walnut extract or liquid extracts used for topical applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Black Walnuts Taste Like Chemicals?
Some people new to using black walnuts may find their flavor strong and somewhat chemical-like, which is different from regular walnuts. However, this is simply the natural taste of black walnut, and in reality, it does not contain any harmful chemical components.
Why Do Black Walnuts Taste Funny?
This is due to the rich presence of ester compounds (which create a rich flavor and fruity, nutty, and buttery aroma), as well as substances like aldehydes (which contribute to the bitter aftertaste) [2].
Do Black Walnuts Taste Like Paint?
This depends on the preparation method and individual taste perception. For some first-time users, black walnuts may have a faint scent reminiscent of paint.
What Do Black Walnuts Taste Like In The Morning?
If you consume black walnut in the morning on an empty stomach, there is a higher likelihood that you will be more sensitive to its natural bitterness.
Do Black Walnuts Taste Like Regular Walnuts?
The answer is no, black walnut has a completely different flavor compared to regular walnuts. Black walnut has a rich, bold taste with a bitter aftertaste.
Do Black Walnuts Taste Like Blue Cheese?
The answer is no; black walnut has a flavor more akin to a combination of nuts and butter rather than resembling the taste of blue cheese.
Do Black Walnuts Taste Rancid?
Yes, if you store black walnut in a humid environment or expose it to air for several days, it may show signs of spoilage, becoming vile and bitter. To prevent this, you should store them in a sealed bag and keep them in a cool, dry place.
Conclusion
Although the strong bitterness and fruity aroma of black walnut may be overwhelming for first-time users, there’s no denying the surprising health benefits it offers. Therefore, take time to get accustomed to the flavor of black walnut and follow my preparation tips to bring out a wonderful taste that makes it easy to use directly.
References
- [1] Vu, D. C., Nguyen, T. H., & Ho, T. L. (2020). An overview of phytochemicals and potential health-promoting properties of black walnut. RSC advances, 10(55), 33378-33388. https://doi.org/10.1039/D0RA05714B
- [2] Miller, A. E., & Chambers, D. H. (2013). Descriptive analysis of flavor characteristics for black walnut cultivars. Journal of food science, 78(6), S887-S893. https://doi.org/10.1111/1750-3841.12127
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