Changes

|features=deciduous, edible

|features=deciduous, edible

|Temp Metric=°F

|Temp Metric=°F

|image=Walnut twig.jpg

|image=Walnuss-frucht001.jpg

|image_width=240

|image_width=240

|image_caption=Shoot and nut of ''Juglans regia''

|image_caption=Shoot and nut of ''Juglans regia''

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}}

'''Walnuts''' (genus ''Juglans'') are [[plant]]s in the walnut family [[Juglandaceae]]. They are [[deciduous]] [[tree]]s, 10 - 40 [[metre]]s tall, with [[pinnate]] leaves 200 - 900 millimetres long, with 5 - 25 leaflets; the shoots have chambered [[pith]], a character shared with the [[wingnut]]s (''Pterocarya'') but not the [[hickory|hickories]] (''Carya'') in the same family.  

'''Walnuts''' (genus ''Juglans'') are [[plant]]s in the walnut family [[Juglandaceae]]. They are [[deciduous]] [[tree]]s, 10 - 40 [[metre]]s tall, with [[pinnate]] leaves 200 - 900 millimetres long, with 5 - 25 leaflets; the shoots have chambered [[pith]], a character shared with the [[wingnut]]s (''Pterocarya'') but not the [[hickory|hickories]] (''Carya'') in the same family.  

The 21 species in the genus range across the north temperate [[Old World]] from southeast [[Europe]] east to [[Japan]], and more widely in the [[New World]] from southeast [[Canada]] west to [[California]] and south to [[Argentina]]. The Latin name ''Juglans'' derives from ''Jovis glans'', "Jupiter's nuts", the nut fit for a god.

The 21 species in the genus range across the north temperate [[Old World]] from southeast [[Europe]] east to [[Japan]], and more widely in the [[New World]] from southeast [[Canada]] west to [[California]] and south to [[Argentina]]. The Latin name ''Juglans'' derives from ''Jovis glans'', "Jupiter's nuts", the nut fit for a god.

[[Image:Walnut02.jpg|thumb|Persian Walnut nuts]]

[[Image:Walnut02.jpg|thumb|Persian Walnut nuts]]

[[Image:Walnut03.jpg|thumb|Inside of a Persian Walnut nut with green outer layer visible in the top left corner]]

[[Image:Walnut03.jpg|thumb|Inside of a Persian Walnut nut with green outer layer visible in the top left corner]]

The [[nut (fruit)|nuts]] of all the species are edible, but the walnuts commonly available in stores are from the Persian Walnut, the only species which has a large nut and thin shell. A horticultural form selected for thin nut shells and hardiness in temperate zones is sometimes known as the 'Carpathian' walnut. The nuts are rich in [[Walnut oil|oil]], and are widely eaten both fresh and in [[cookery]]. [[Oil paint]] often employs walnut oil as an effective binding medium, known for its clear, glossy consistency and non-toxicity

The [[nut (fruit)|nuts]] of all the species are edible, but the walnuts commonly available in stores are from the Persian Walnut, the only species which has a large nut and thin shell. A horticultural form selected for thin nut shells and hardiness in temperate zones is sometimes known as the 'Carpathian' walnut. The nuts are rich in [[Walnut oil|oil]], and are widely eaten both fresh and in [[cookery]]. [[Oil paint]] often employs walnut oil as an effective binding medium, known for its clear, glossy consistency and non-toxicity

. Walnuts are also an excellent source of [[omega-3 fatty acids]], and have been shown as helpful in lowering [[cholesterol]]. They need to be kept dry and refrigerated to store well; in warm conditions they become rancid in a few weeks, particularly after shelling.

. Walnuts are also an excellent source of [[omega-3 fatty acids]], and have been shown as helpful in lowering [[cholesterol]]. They need to be kept dry and refrigerated to store well; in warm conditions they become rancid in a few weeks, particularly after shelling.