To say that walnuts are good for you would be a bit of an understatement. These little brain-shaped nuts are packed with healthy fats, fiber, vitamins and minerals. To name a few, their scientifically-supported benefits include:

• A higher antioxidant activity than any other common nut.
• A plant-based source of omega-3s, at higher levels than any other nut!
• Helping fight oxidative stress and inflammation – which is the root of many chronic diseases, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.
• Improving gut health, by supporting the healthy bacteria that live there.

Source: Healthline

Here are some of our favourite ways to get more walnuts into your diet!

1: Homemade Walnut Butter

• 2 cups Australian Pesticide-Free Walnuts 
• Salt to taste

Purée walnuts in a blender or food processor until as smooth as desired. Add salt to taste. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Before serving, whisk walnut butter to evenly distribute the oils that naturally separate when making homemade nut butters.

 

2: Walnut Pesto

• 1/3 cup Australian Pesticide-Free Walnuts 
• Large handful of your favourite fresh herbs such as basil, parsley, dill, or mint (about 2 cups)
• 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese or savoury yeast flakes
• 1 clove garlic, chopped
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

Purée all ingredients in a blender or food processor until smooth, adding more oil if needed to loosen pesto into a paste. Store in a jar in the refrigerator, covered with a layer of olive oil to keep the pesto air-tight. To serve, toss freshly cooked pasta with walnut pesto and top with another sprinkling of parmesan cheese and a few chopped, toasted walnuts. Alternatively, stir a spoonful of walnut pesto into salad dressings or savoury sauces and glazes, or use as a delicious sandwich spread.

3: Candied Walnuts

• 125g Australian Pesticide-Free Walnuts 
• 1/4 cup coconut sugar
• 15g unsalted butter

Melt the butter in a heavy, large non-stick pan over medium heat. Add coconut sugar and walnuts, stirring constantly until the sugar is melted and nuts are evenly coated. The sugar will become sandy and then begin to caramelise and soften; at this stage, remove from the heat and pour the nuts onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spreading the walnuts around so they don’t stick together. Allow to cool completely and serve.

 

4: Roasted and Salted Walnuts

• 400g Australian Pesticide-Free Walnuts 
• Rock Salt, to taste
• 30ml Olive Oil

Preheat oven to 160 degrees. Spread shelled walnuts on an ungreased baking tray in an even layer.

Toast the nuts in the oven 10 to 15 minutes or until lightly browned. You will need to stir the nuts occasionally to evenly toast. Remove the tray from the oven and place the extra virgin olive oil over the nuts, stir until the walnuts are glossy and evenly covered. Add the salt and stir until evenly salted.

Allow to cool before serving.

 

5: This Salted Caramel Chocolate Slice

Get the recipe here.

6: Trail Mix Bliss Bars

 

Get the recipe here.

7: Chai Spiced Carrot Slice

 

Get the recipe here.

Whether you’re planning to whip up a slice or simply snack on some toasted walnuts – shop Australian Pesticide-Free Walnuts online here, or in-store at Naked Foods (where you can fill your own containers and skip packaging waste)!