Walnuts are the oldest tree food known to man dating back to 7000 B.C originating in ancient Persia. Back in those day’s they were reserved for royalty. The Franciscan Fathers introduced walnuts, into California in the late 1700’s just like the Almond tree. They were known as “mission” walnuts.
There are now two specific types of walnuts: the English Walnut and the Black Walnut. The Black Walnut is typically not used for commercial production due to its hard shell and poor hulling characteristics, therefore leaving the English Walnut to be the leading commercially grown nut.
California’s start in commercially producing Walnuts began in the late 1860’s in Southern California near Santa Barbra. Today, the Central Valley is the state’s prime walnut growing region with its fertile soil and mild climate. California is responsible for 99% of the commercial US supply.
China was the leading producer of walnuts in 2012 with 1.7 million tons of walnuts. Iran produced 450,000 tonnes and coming third is the United States with 426,000 tons. Last year, California produced 486,000 In-shell tons.
California has the preferred varieties and quality wanted by buyers worldwide. The United States is the world’s largest exporter of the walnut seed.
With our knowledge in the walnut industry, feel free to contact us for any questions you may have and we can provide you with up to date information and crop prices.
