Incorporating nuts into your dishes elevates the taste and adds a delightful crunch to your culinary creations. Shelled walnuts for cooking offer a delightful blend of versatility and nutrition. Walnuts are now a common ingredient in kitchens all around the world, from gourmet dinners to breakfast bowls. You’ve probably seen walnuts in some form, whether you’re a novice in the kitchen or an experienced home cook. You may have seen them baked into a delicious brownie or tossed over a salad. However, these modest nuts hold much more than meets the eye. Shelled walnuts are an exceptional addition to your culinary creations. Renowned for their robust flavour, they seamlessly enhance both sweet and savoury dishes.
Walnuts are more than simply a delicious treat; they are also a nutritious powerhouse. Cooking with shelled walnuts is one of the quickest ways to improve your heart health, brain function and overall well-being. Some nuts may lose their nutritional value when exposed to heat. Walnuts withstand diverse cooking methods while preserving almost all their nutrients.
Many cultures have long recognised the benefits of cooking with walnuts. In Georgian cuisine, walnuts are crushed into pastes to make rich sauces. They’re combined with spices in Middle Eastern dishes to make strong dips like muhammara. They’re a common ingredient in Western cuisine, from banana bread to granola. Walnuts are becoming more popular as a snack as food trends shift towards healthier and more sustainable options. They are a key ingredient in both traditional and modern meals.
This blog explores everything you need to know about using shelled walnuts for cooking. Shelled walnuts could be the missing element you’ve been looking for, whether you want to boost the nutritional value of your meals or simply add some crunch and flavour. So, grab a handful and start cooking!
Why Should You Buy Shelled Walnuts for Cooking and Baking?
Incorporating shelled walnuts into your culinary creations not only enhances the texture and flavour of your dishes but also enriches your diet with a wealth of beneficial nutrients. These rich, buttery nuts are not merely a garnish or snack; their remarkable health benefits position them as a superb addition to your daily meals.
Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids
The abundance of healthy omega-3 fatty acids in shelled walnuts makes them an excellent cooking ingredient. Just a handful of walnuts includes around 2.5 grams of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which lowers bad cholesterol (LDL) and the risk of heart disease. Using shelled walnuts for cooking can be a simple and delicious method to achieve your omega-3 needs.
High in Dietary Fibre
You can also buy shelled walnuts for cooking and baking to receive a good amount of plant-based protein. Walnuts are an excellent addition to meatless meals and grain bowls, thanks to their high protein content. They also include dietary fibre, which helps with digestion, regulates blood sugar levels and promotes a sense of fullness. These are important considerations for anyone trying to control their weight or enhance their metabolic health.
Loaded with Essential Micronutrients
Shelled walnuts bring a wealth of micronutrients to your cooking, making them an essential ingredient. They are high in magnesium, which promotes muscle and nerve function; phosphorus, which is necessary for strong bones and teeth; and copper, which aids in energy production and immune support. They also include B vitamins, which are necessary for brain function and red blood cell production.
Supports Special Diets
People with diabetes or gluten allergies should use shelled walnuts for cooking because these nuts have a low glycaemic index and are gluten-free. Their combination of healthy fats, fibre and protein makes them ideal for anyone following a low-carb or anti-inflammatory diet plan.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Shelled Walnuts for Cooking
Shelled walnuts are extremely versatile. However, you need to take proper care to extract their finest flavour, texture and nutritional content. While they may appear simple to utilise, there are a few common errors that can keep you from getting the most out of this tasty and nutritious nut. Avoiding these mistakes can help you get the most out of walnuts in your kitchen, whether you’re using them to make a nutritious salad or a savoury sauce.
Storing Walnuts Improperly
Many people are unaware that dry fruits, especially walnuts, are perishable and can go bad if not stored properly. Walnuts have a high content of unsaturated fats. This makes them especially prone to becoming rancid when exposed to warm or humid weather. It’s crucial to store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer to preserve their flavour and freshness, and increase their shelf life. It’s also better not to buy shelled walnuts for cooking and baking in large quantities, unless you know you’ll use them soon or have a reliable storage system.
Using Low-Quality or Stale Walnuts
The quality of walnuts has a direct impact on the outcome of your recipe, both in terms of flavour and texture. Ensure they are still fresh before you use them. Rancid walnuts have a musty odour and can feel dry. Choose premium-grade walnuts that are free of discolouration or shrivelled patches to get the best results. If you buy shelled walnuts for cooking and baking online or in store, make sure to choose a recognised brand like GoingNuts. This ensures you’re using fresh, flavourful walnuts that will complement your cooking rather than ruin it.
Prepping and Storing Shelled Walnuts for Cooking
Using shelled walnuts for cooking is a simple yet effective technique to add flavour, texture and nutrients to many recipes. However, they need to be properly prepared and stored to get the most out of their health and cooking benefits.
Check the walnuts for freshness before using them. Good-quality walnuts should have a subtle, nutty scent. If they smell musty or like stale oil, they are most certainly rotten and should be discarded. Soak shelled walnuts for a few hours to soften and mellow their flavour. This will give you smoother mixes for sauces and dips.
Storage is critical to maintaining the quality of shelled walnuts for cooking. Walnuts are particularly sensitive to deterioration when exposed to heat, humidity or air due to their high unsaturated fat content. These nuts can be stored for a limited time in an airtight container in a cool, dark pantry. However, to ensure a longer shelf life, store them in the refrigerator or freezer. Walnuts absorb moisture and odours from their surroundings, which might change their flavour. Keep them away from strong-smelling foods like garlic or onions, and label containers with the purchase or storage date to help with rotation and freshness.
Conclusion
Using shelled walnuts in cooking is one of the simplest and most satisfying methods to improve the flavour, texture and nutritional content of your food. Walnuts have a remarkable variety that few ingredients can match, ranging from robust mains and crisp salads to rich sweets and nutritious snacks. Their high content of healthy fats, plant-based protein and essential nutrients makes them an excellent choice for both regular and special cooking. Learning the proper way to prepare, store, and use walnuts can improve your cooking skills regardless of your level of experience. So, the next time you go grocery shopping or browse online, remember to buy shelled walnuts for cooking and baking. They’re a delicious and nutritious staple you’ll reach for time and again.
