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Almonds (Prunus dulcis) The Almond is believed to have originated in the Mediterranean region which has hot dry summers and cool winters, which is what the tree likes in order to bear well. They need a well-drained, salt-free soil, and the young trees must be protected from frost. They are not self-fertile, so two varieties that flower at the same time are needed to produce a crop.  Check out our Pollination Guide here. 

Whilst the almond is most often eaten on its own, raw or roasted, it is used in many dishes. It, along with other nuts, is often sprinkled over sundaes and other ice cream based dishes. It is also used in making baklava and nougat. There is also almond butter, a spread similar to peanut butter, popular with peanut allergy sufferers and for its less salty taste. The sweet almond oil is used in massage – mmm, just the thought of being smothered in sweet oil and pummeled….. 

Chestnut (Castanea sativa)Also originating in the Mediterranean region, the Sweet chestnut has been cultivated for its nuts since the dawn of time. It is a spreading tree, needs a lot of space and as it matures, the branches really thicken out. The trees are also prized for their fine timber and for their exquisite autumn foliage. Chestnuts like a cool climate and are easily grown in full sun or part shade in deep, fertile soil. They enjoy a slightly acid soil. Hot dry summers suit them well as long as ample soil moisture is available in winter and spring.

The nuts can be eaten candied and are often sold under the French name marrons glacés, or boiled or – most delicious of all – roasted on an open flame. Another important use of chestnuts is that they can be ground into flour, which can then be used to prepare bread, cakes and pasta. Chestnut-based recipes and preparations are making a comeback in Italian cuisine, as part of the trend toward rediscovery of traditional dishes.

Chile Nut (Gevuina avellana)  This Chilean native nut tree is a beautiful evergreen specimen that grows into a large tree and produces erect spikes of spidery, white, cream or greenish flowers followed by slightly elongated small fruit – or nuts - that are bluish-black and taste similar to hazelnuts. This is quite a fussy specimen to grow, requiring a mild climate with cool, humid summers. Grow in a sheltered spot with deep, rich, well-drained soil that never dries out.  

Hazelnut (Corylus avellana) The Common Hazelnut is a deciduous tree that occurs on many continents and is fairly easy to grow provided that soil moisture is adequate and ample space is allowed. They need full sun or part shade and fertile, well-drained, chalky soil. Cooler, moist summers also assist in fruit production.

Hazelnuts are extensively used in confectionery to make praline and also used in combination with chocolate for chocolate truffles and products such as Nutella. In Austria, and especially in Vienna, hazelnut paste is an important ingredient in the world famous tortes (such as Viennese Hazelnut torte) which are made there. Vodka-based Hazelnut liqueurs, such as Frangelico, are very popular – but beware – they are delicious and deceptively mask the alcohol content. Hazelnut is popular as a coffee flavoring, especially in the form of Hazelnut latte. 

Walnut (Juglans regia)  The scientific name for  Juglans is from the Latin jovis glans, "Jupiters acorn", and regia, "royal". Its common name, Persian walnut, indicates its origins in Persia although it is widely distributed around the world. Cool-climate trees, Walnuts prefer a sunny position. Although quite frost hardy, young plants and the new spring growth are susceptible to frost damage. Deep rich alluvial soil of a light loamy texture suits them best and they need regular water.

The slow growing tree can reach 15m and spread to 9m so it does require a space of its own. The fallen leaves are toxic and should not be put on the compost. Walnuts are light-demanding species that benefit from protection from wind. They are also very hardy against drought.When grown for their nuts, care must be taken to select cultivars that are compatible for pollination purposes. Although some cultivars are marketed as "self fertile" they will generally fruit better with a different pollination partner. 

Walnuts are very beneficial to health as they contain properties that can reduce the damaging effects of unhealthy fats on blood vessels and keep cholesterol under control. Eat a handful after a fatty meal!The English put the nuts in vinegar and call them "pickled walnuts", the Armenians  preserve them in sugar syrup and eat them whole, the Italians flavour their liqueurs with walnuts and, in Georgia, walnuts are ground, along with other ingredients, to make walnut sauce. And what do you do with your nuts?

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