In this edition we are going to discuss Iran’s walnut which has the best quality in the world.

As you know the walnut tree is a precious plant with high economic value. Different parts of this tree including its root, leaves, fruits, branches and trunk are used in different industries like food industry, carpentry, pharmacology and medicine.

By analyzing beliefs of different cultures we come to the common idea that walnut tree symbolizes wisdom, fertility, longevity and resistance in time of misfortune.

The history of plantation of walnut tree is not clear. Some people believe that this tree has existed before human being.

Old written documents and inscriptions show that walnut plantation dates back to hundreds of years BC. Asia Minor, West Asia and the Himalayans are among the regions which are the origin of walnut tree.

Common walnut tree has a height ranging from ten to forty meters.

The trunk of walnut tree has a smooth, silver- grey bark.

The leaves of this tree are also fragrant.

The tree produces male flowers on catkins and female flowers on terminal clusters where the fruit develops.

 The fruit of the walnut tree is a fleshy green drupe which envelopes the nut. The kernel of the nut is protected by a corrugated woody shell.

 Walnut trees can reach 25–35 meters high and can live up to 200 years.

Any delay in picking the fruit after becoming ripe can reduce its quality and expose the tree to pests.

Walnut tree is sensitive to extreme heat and cold in summer and winter.

The period for the tree to reach the age of fecundity is directly related with the type of the tree and the weather of the region.

Walnut tree is a precious tree with high economic value. Different parts of the tree including leaves, root, trunk, branches, fruit and bark are all used in different industries.

Walnut is a kind of fruit which can be eaten fresh or dried. This fruit has a very important role in health and food safety of human being. This delicious fruit is one of the important products which constitutes protein, sugar, water, vitamins, minerals and fat.

Walnuts are an excellent source of antioxidants that can help fight oxidative damage in body, including damage due to bad LDL cholesterol, which promotes atherosclerosis.

Walnuts are significantly higher in omega-3 fat than other nuts. Omega-3 has a positive effect on treating migraine, stress, mental disorders and depression. This fruit also prevents Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson's disease.

Several plant compounds and nutrients in walnut can help decrease inflammation, which is a key factor in many chronic diseases.

Walnut also treats respiratory diseases. This fruit prevents gallstones and heart diseases. Copper in walnut can help absorb iron. The phosphorus content in walnut equals the same amount in fish, rice and even in egg. The leaves of walnut tree contain an essence with special fragrance that has microbicide effects.

Walnut wood is one of the most precious woods in the world which is resistant against pressure. Walnut wood as a fine-grained hard wood is dense and shock resistant.

Walnut wood is used for making furniture and musical instruments, in wood turning and woodcarving.

Today the precious walnut tree is grown naturally in many regions of the world.

The Islamic Republic of Iran is one of the countries that has a historical record in growing walnut tree.

Some believe that Iran has been the main origin of walnut tree and walnut has been transferred to other countries from Iran.

Today about 150 thousand hectares are under the cultivation of walnut tree in Iran.

Producing more than 200 thousand tons of walnut fruit annually, Iran ranks third in the world.

The taste and quality of Iranian walnut has made it known as one of the best walnuts in the world.

Iranian walnut grows well in different regions of the country from Dareh Gaz in northeast and Moghan in northwest to Eqlid in the south.

Kerman, Kermanshah, Hamedan, Lorestan, Kohgiluyeh va Boyerahmad, South Khorasan, West and East Azarbaijan, Charmahal-Bakhtiari and Markazi provinces are among the regions that produce the best walnut.

Iranian walnut is exported to 30 countries including Iraq, Turkey, Germany, and England.

Iranian walnuts are named after the region they are planted. For example, we have Tuyserkan, Shahmirzad, Qazvin, Taleqan, Shahrekord, Damavand and Azarbaijan walnuts.

Other types of walnuts are Kaaghazi, Sangi, Maakouie, Soozani, Nok Kalaaghi, and Ziaabadi.

AE/SS