A Trip To Walnut Country
A big thank you goes out to the California Walnut Board who sponsored this remarkable trip.
My passionate hunger for life once again led me to California where I was invited to celebrate the late summer walnut harvest and learn all about that uniquely different tree nut. From growing to harvesting to processing, it was a full-on baptism into the walnut industry.
The walnut farmers wait five to seven years for a tree to mature. Credit: California Walnut Board
In the orchard at Norene Ranches, a fourth-generation family-owned and operated walnut farm in the Sacramento Valley, co-owner Donald Norene explained the growing and harvesting process.
In late August, the green hull of the walnut will dry and split, exposing the walnut inside.
These days harvesting is done by machine. Mechanical shakers are used to first shake the walnuts from the trees; nuts, twigs and leaves are then swept into long windrows where another machine scoops them up for processing. It is a sight to behold and makes one hell of a dusty, loud racket. Just check it out for yourself below or here.
But the best part? I got to shake a tree!
Your’s truly behind the controls (with instruction from Don) — talk about an interactive experience!
At the processing plant, walnuts are stored in the shell until they are needed and then mechanically cracked and sorted where they are graded by size and color.
Whoa, that’s a lot of nuts! Credit: California Walnut Board
Later that evening, a local chef showcased the versatility of this nutritious nut with a cooking demonstration and a walnut-inspired dinner.
A hand-cranked, gas-fired roaster had those chilis roasted in no time.
Roasted and Stuffed Poblano Chili with a Walnut Cream Sauce — now that’s an appetizer!
My trip to walnut country was truly remarkable. I’ve always enjoyed the taste of the walnut, but seeing first hand the commitment and patience of the farmer, coupled with the high standard of care the nuts receive during processing, gave me a deep appreciation for the walnut and its farm-to-table journey.
Do you ever wonder what it takes to get your food from the farm to the table? —Karen