She added that the tannins in the walnut skins can sometimes irritate the mouth, but “this doesn’t seem to happen with our walnut butter.” Etchepare said themost popular of the three flavors used to be original, but it’s now salted caramel, especially for women. Men lean towardmaple. “Then original’s kind of all over the board. If youwant that quintessential walnut flavor, then that’s your go-to.” He says he enjoys reading the customer reviews on Amazon. Among them: “I was thinking of eating it with other things, but I ended up just eating by spooning into my mouth like ice cream. I only wish that I would have bought more.” “This is only day two since I’ve opened it and nearly half the jar is gone. … The sweet salty balance is perfection. It’s
studies suggests they may help control appetite and contribute to gut health. But they are especially acclaimed for their healthful fatty acids. “There are 2.5 grams of alpha linolenic acid, the plant-based omega-3, per handful,” said Carol Sloan, a registered dietitian and the health research director for the California Walnut Commission. “Scientific research shows that walnuts are a heart-healthy addition to the diet, with benefits that may reduce risk of cognitive issues, heart disease or certain cancers.” Sloan added that walnut butter is a great way to incorporate walnuts into a daily diet. “My favorite? Walnut butter in celery with dried blueberries and a drizzle of local honey—yum!” Reactions in a nutshell Others agree—once they’ve tasted it, said Joanna Malson, Wellnut Farms’ director of sales and marketing. “We find that most people have never heard of walnut butter and are confused by what it is,” Malson said. “They also seem hesitant to try it because they’re afraid it might be bitter.”
like euphoria in my mouth.” “So good, so so so so good.”
Linda DuBois ldubois@californiabountiful.com
MORE ONLINE Wellnut Farms has incorporated its walnut butter into a variety of sweet and savory recipes. Find two—for stuffed bell peppers and falafel burgers—at californiabountiful.com.
Only a small fraction of the farm’s walnuts are made into walnut butters. Each of the three flavors go well with a breakfast bagel.
Some of the 12 million pounds of walnuts grown at the Etchepare family’s Emerald Farms are harvested, left, and processed, above and right, to head out to walnut retailers.
californiabountiful.com 29
Powered by FlippingBook