+38 068 277 99 23
There are between 30 and 40 types of edible nuts in the world. Common varieties such as peanuts, almonds, walnuts, pistachios, and cashews are well known and widely used in cooking and herbal medicine. However, few people have heard of the Manchurian walnut — a delicious and highly beneficial nut variety that is actively used in Chinese and Taiwanese cuisine.
What is the Manchurian walnut?
The Manchurian walnut (botanical name: Juglans mandshurica) is a large tree with a wide, dense crown and a thick, tall trunk. It originates from East Asia, specifically China, Taiwan, and South Korea.
This unique walnut species is cultivated both for industrial purposes and as an ornamental plant. Its leaves resemble those of the mountain ash tree, giving it an elegant appearance, and its crown is easy to shape for landscaping needs.
Interestingly, not only the nuts but also the leaves of the Manchurian walnut tree are used for culinary and medicinal purposes. A decoction of young leaves helps treat tonsillitis, especially purulent types, while an oil-based infusion is effective against corns, calluses, psoriasis, and eczema.
In Far East, there is a traditional practice of rubbing hands with fresh Manchurian walnut leaves before hard physical labor. The palms become darker and tougher, helping prevent blisters and cracks. The dark tint can be easily washed off with soap.
The Manchurian walnuts themselves are elongated, dark brown nuts with a deeply wrinkled and very hard shell. Their kernels taste similar to English walnuts, but are softer and more delicate. They are used to make halva, nut paste, and are also eaten as a snack.
Health benefits of the Manchurian walnut
In addition to its culinary value, the Manchurian walnut plays an important role in folk medicine due to its rich nutritional and chemical composition. The nuts contain:
- B vitamins;
- Vitamin P;
- Vitamin PP (niacin);
- Vitamin C (ascorbic acid);
- Organic acids: nicotinic, malic and citric;
- Phytoncides;
- Tannins (mostly tannic acid);
- Juglone (also known as juglandin) — a powerful antimicrobial compound;
- Fatty acids (up to 50%);
- Essential oils;
To treat dermatitis, relieve symptoms of eczema and psoriasis, and accelerate the healing of burns and scrapes, you can apply a tincture of Manchurian walnut kernels on the affected areas daily.
A decoction made from the nuts acts as a disinfectant and hemostatic agent, and is suitable for compresses to treat deep cuts by applying for 1–2 hours.
Consuming Manchurian walnuts regularly can help:
- Stabilize blood sugar levels;
- Improve kidney function (especially beneficial for those with chronic pyelonephritis);
- Boost red blood cell production (helpful in treating anemia);
- Stimulate bile flow and prevent gallstone formation;
Like other nut varieties, Manchurian walnuts support cardiovascular health, help normalize heart rhythm, and improve arterial and venous circulation, acting as a preventive measure against high and low blood pressure.
In Europe, the Manchurian walnut is still considered exotic. It’s rarely found in stores and difficult to buy online. As a substitute, consider more accessible but equally healthy nuts like sweet almonds or hazelnuts.
Delicious and healthy nuts from TM CraftOil — your key to wellness
CraftOil, a producer of high-quality, vitamin-rich artisan oils, offers a wide selection of products for cooking, herbal therapy, naturopathy, and DIY natural cosmetics. Our catalog includes not only oils but also fresh, organic nuts of various kinds. Almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, peanuts, and walnuts are sourced with strict quality control, stored under optimal conditions, and packed in eco-friendly paper bags only after an order is placed.
You can use our premium nuts for making desserts, salads, meat rolls, or side dishes. They’re also ideal for healthy snacking and cold-press oil extraction. Each type of nut contains a unique vitamin and mineral profile and offers specific health benefits. To learn more and find the perfect match for your needs, leave a request on our website.
