The “Nose to Tail” approach is an all-encompassing term when it comes to utilizing every part of an ingredient, which is an economically and environmentally friendly practice. And yet, there are some aspects of food products often underestimated and tossed aside! With the new harvest of walnuts just in, this is the best time to go “root to nut”. Here are some ways to harness the full potential of California walnuts in your kitchen:
- Smoked Walnut Shells: California walnut shells offer a tangy, earthy flavor when smoked over an open flame. Check out Cold-Brewed Smoked Walnut Soda, which captures the flavor of smoked California walnut shells in a delicious drink. Or, add a couple handfuls of shells to a mesquite BBQ to give your meat or veggies an extra kick!
- Walnut Meal: Did you know California walnuts can also serve as a gluten-free option? Walnut meal can act as a “flour” in baked goods like bread and French Style Chocolate-Walnut Macarons.
- Shell Infusion: Want to add an extra element of flavor to your cocktails? Soaking walnut shells in hard spirits will give liquor a distinctive nutty taste. Try this recipe for Walnuts Take Manhattan to create a sweet, walnut-infused version of the classic Manhattan.
- Walnut Shells as Fuel: Walnut shells are highly fibrous and flammable, making for a fantastic wood substitute. In fact, several eco-friendly factories use a mixture of walnut shells and peat to fuel their operations. You can even use walnut shells to smoke more walnut shells!
- Remove Deposits on Cast Iron Pans: Using ground walnut shells in your cleaning routine is an easy way to keep your kitchen spotless. On certain surfaces, use a rough cloth to rub the ground walnut shells against burnt and baked-on solids to carefully remove them from everyday items like cast iron pans!
