There are many types of walnuts available on the market, but did you know there are two main types of walnuts – black and English? Both have their own unique flavors and textures, so let’s take a closer look at the differences between them.
What is Black Walnut?
Black Walnut (Juglans nigra) is a deciduous tree that is native to North America. It is a member of the walnut family, and its nuts are edible. The Black Walnut tree grows to a height of 50-100 feet, and its trunk can be up to 3 feet in diameter. The tree’s leaves are alternate, and its flowers are greenish-yellow. Black Walnuts are typically harvested in the fall after the nuts have matured. The Black Walnut tree is an important source of food for wildlife, and its wood is prized for its strength and beauty. Black Walnuts can be found growing in forests, fields, and urban areas.
What is English Walnut?
- English walnut (Juglans regia) is a species of deciduous tree in the walnut family, Juglandaceae. English walnut originated in Persia and was introduced to Great Britain in the 16th century. The English walnut grows up to 40 m tall. It has a spreading crown with oblong-ovate leaves that are 50–100 cm long and 20–40 cm wide.
- The English walnut is monoecious, with male and female flowers on the same tree. The English Walnut is an important commercial nut crop. English walnuts are used in a variety of dishes, including ice cream, chocolate, and cake. English walnuts can also be used as a coffee substitute.
- English walnut trees are typically propagated by grafting onto rootstocks. English walnuts are also grown for their wood, which is hard, strong, and dark brown in color with a close grain. The wood of English walnut is used for furniture, paneling, and gun stocks.
Difference between Black and English Walnuts
Black walnuts and English walnuts are two varieties of the same tree, but there are a few key differences between them. Black walnuts are native to North America, while English walnuts are native to Europe and Asia. Black walnuts typically have a more bitter flavor than English walnuts. Black walnuts also have a thicker shell, making them more difficult to crack.
Finally, the trees themselves differ in appearance. Black walnut trees have dark bark and large leaves, while English walnut trees have lighter bark and smaller leaves. Despite these differences, both types of walnuts can be used in a variety of ways, including baking, cooking, and grinding into flour.
Conclusion
The English walnut, Juglans regia, is the most popular type of walnut in the United States. It has a sweet, rich flavor and is used in many dishes. The black walnut, Juglans nigra, has a stronger flavor than some people prefer. Black walnuts are also higher in antioxidants than English walnuts.
