17 December 2013

W is for WALNUTS

Here's the thing about Walnuts - they must be fresh and sweet. Too many people say they don't like walnuts and generally that is because they have had to endure rancid nuts; nuts, (usually imported) that have sat in storage and packaging for far too long.

New Zealand grows beautiful walnuts and my favourites are the fresh new season's crop from Jenny and Malcolm Horwell's Marlborough company, Uncle Joes. They also package and sell haze nuts and make some stunning nut oils and processed artisan products.

The other thing about walnuts is that, like all nuts, the flavour truly develops when they're lightly roasted. Nuts are like bread. I have never met a loaf yet that is not better when toasted and I feel the same way about nuts. But when you roast your nuts, always take them from the oven when they start to brown. They're such dense little things that they retain the heat for a while and it's possible you will turn around and realise you had no intention of letting your nuts go that brown! Take care and enjoy your nuts.