Products
California Walnuts
Extensive health research and nutritional studies show that walnuts are among the healthiest and most nutrient packed snacks. Walnuts contain a variety of antioxidants and essential nutrients that are deficient in many adult diets. Walnuts are an easy snack and are great for cooking. For additional information and resources, including recipes, visit the California Walnut Board Website.
Contain a Variety of Antioxidants
Omega 3 Antioxidant is an essential fatty acid. Walnuts continue to be one of the best plant food sources for Omega-3’s. While most nuts contain monounsaturated fats, only walnuts are primarily composed of polyunsaturated fat.
Essential Nutrients Including: Protein, Fiber, Magnesium & Phosphorous
Walnuts contain a high amount of dietary fiber and protein which are essential to make you feel fuller longer, helping to maintain a healthy weight. Walnuts also include phosphorus and magnesium which contribute to the maintenance of the body’s processes and are necessary for optimal wellness.
In-Shell vs. Shelled Walnuts
Omega Walnut, Inc. uses USDA grading criteria to inspect in-shell product. Grading standards include size, external defects, internal defects, and color. In-shell walnuts are packaged in sacks and distributed to in-shell markets including China, Vietnam, Europe, and other areas of high demand.
Omega Walnut offers a wide variety of shelled California Walnuts. All sizes and color meet specifications of industrial formulation for national or international use. Walnuts that are removed from storage are sent to a shelling department where they are mechanically cracked. Kernels are screened into a series of sizes and are air separated from the shell. They are then moved through electric color graders. The product is sorted and physically inspected. For more information on the process, feel free to watch our video under the “Processing” tab!
Nutritional Facts for One Ounce of Raw Walnuts
Walnut Varietals
CHANDLER
The Chandler walnut was introduced in 1979 by the University of California and is one of the most popular varieties grown in California today. Chandler walnuts are large in size, smooth, and oval shaped with a favorable shell seal. The kernels are known to be extra light and provide one of the highest kernel yields. Chandlers are harvested mid to late season.
HOWARD
Howard was introduced in 1979 by the University of California and is harvested early to mid-season. The nut is well-sealed and generally produces a high percentage of light kernels. Howard walnuts are able to be planted in high-density settings, due to their smaller growth habit.
HARTLEY
Hartley walnuts have a mid to late harvest period and are a favorite choice to select in-shell markets. These walnuts have well sealed shells and have little susceptibility to disease and coddling moth.
CHICO
Chico walnuts are relatively small in size with a high quality kernel and good shell seal, although poor in edible yields. Harvested early to mid-season, Chico walnuts are often planted as a pollinizer for Vina walnuts.
CISCO
Cisco walnuts are harvested late in the season and have kernels comparable to those of a Franquette variety. They are generally used as a pollinizer for Howard and Chandler walnuts due to their moderate yield.
FRANQUETTE
Franquette walnuts are harvested very late in the season with little susceptibility to spring frost damage. They produce quality thin-sealed shells and light kernels. Franquette walnuts require little pruning and can be used as a pollinizer for Chandler and Hartley varieties.
GILLET
Felix Gillet introduced the Gillet variety in 1995 in northern California. Gillet walnuts are harvested mid-season and are known to have high yields on young trees. The oblong shaped nuts contain adequate seals and light colored kernels.