Walnuts have been around for thousands of years and were an essential part of the diet of ancient civilizations. Although their exact origin is debated, most historians believe they originated in Central Asia, where they grow wild and were first cultivated more than 7,000 years ago. However, archaeological remains show the presence of walnuts in places as diverse as the Himalayas and France as early as 17,000 years ago, suggesting that they were widely distributed early on.

In ancient times, walnuts were an essential food for hunter-gatherer tribes. In Mesopotamia, walnut cultivation was mentioned in the Code of Hammurabi as early as 1754 BC. There are references to the fact that they were planted in the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, while in Persia they were known as "royal nuts", reserved exclusively for royalty. Later, the Greeks and Romans adopted their cultivation and consumption, improving the varieties and incorporating them into their gastronomy and traditional medicine.

The Romans attributed aphrodisiac properties to walnuts and considered them a sacred food. Pliny the Elder documented their many uses, ranging from dyes for wool to remedies for poisons. In Pompeii, traces of walnuts were found among the food preserved by the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 A.D., which confirms their inclusion in the diet of the time.

Over time, walnuts spread along the Silk Road, reaching China during the Han Dynasty. In the Middle Ages, Persian physicians documented its health benefits and its preservation using techniques such as sugar coating. Later, English traders facilitated its arrival in America, where Franciscan friars introduced its cultivation in California in the 18th century. Currently, the United States is the main exporter of walnuts, followed by Chile and Argentina.

What are the health benefits of walnuts?

Not only do walnuts have a fascinating history, but they are also noted for their multiple health benefits. What are some of these benefits?

• Rich in Omega-3: they are one of the main vegetable sources of Omega-3 fatty acids, essential for cardiovascular health and good brain function.
• Source of antioxidants: they contain a high quantity of polyphenols and vitamin E, which help fight oxidative stress and cellular aging.
• Contain protein and fiber: eating them makes you feel full and aids digestion.
• Improve heart health: their healthy fat content helps reduce LDL cholesterol and improve arterial health.
• Full of vitamins and minerals: they are an excellent source of magnesium, phosphorus, zinc and vitamin B6, which are essential for the nervous system and the skin.
• Allies against premenstrual syndrome: thanks to their vitamin B6 content, they can help relieve the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome.
• Beneficial for the skin: their linoleic acid and vitamin E content promotes skin hydration and regeneration.
• Versatile: they can be consumed whole, in flour, in vegetable drinks or as an ingredient in bars, cereals, salads and pastries. They can be bought chopped, in halves or in pieces.

At Importaco we are committed to providing the highest quality walnuts on the market, contributing to improving people’s health and nutrition. We believe that it is important to preserve the tradition of this ancient nut and to continue to innovate in order to offer healthy and versatile products for all types of diets.