Autumn is in high gear here in the Smoky Mountains and it is still raining black walnuts. It appears that it is a bumper crop this year. Walnuts are the first tree to lose their leaves in fall and one of the last to leaf out in spring. Black Walnut is a native tree species that is abundant in Western North Carolina. Walnuts have a rich historical legacy. They have been found in prehistoric deposits dating back to the Iron Age. Walnuts are mentioned in the bible and were an important food source for Cherokee and early settlers. The name of the genus, Juglans means “nut of Jupiter” or nut of the gods and the species name nigra refers to the black dye in the shells. Fascinating folklore surrounds walnuts as the Cherokee viewed it as a fertility source and it has been viewed over time as a means of warding off witchcraft and evil spirits.
Medicinally, walnuts have been used for the treatment of swollen glands, shingles, infections and as a vermifuge for treating intestinal worms as well as an aid for intestinal discomforts. The nutmeats are exceptionally tasty and prized for their unique flavor and they make a delicious addition to brownies and cakes. They are nutritionally rich and are believed to protect against heart disease and reduce cholesterol. The wood is highly prized and gorgeous for furniture making and rifle stocks. Black Walnuts shells contain a powerful chemical called Juglans and the leaves, nuts and wood shavings can be toxic to horses and pets. Many plants like rhododendrons will not grow under walnuts as the chemicals get into the soil and inhibit growth.
These days squirrels are ecstatic as all day they are methodically stripping away the outer husks and chomping away at the tasty nutmeats. Many of them have brownish black fur around their mouth as Black walnuts make a superb rich chocolate colored natural dye.
Small bags of black walnut meats can be found at farmers markets and roadside stands throughout the area. Don’t balk at the price, as they are indeed delicious and very time consuming to extract from their shells! Bon Appetite!