Walnuts

For many decades throughout the 20th century, walnuts were farmed in the Upper Ojai Valley as a dry land crop (no irrigation with trees planted relatively far apart).  Stately rows of these majestic trees provided beauty and bounty to local farmers, residents and visitors alike.  Today however, many of those trees have disappeared … victims of insect infestation, rot and diminished commercial value (competition became too stiff thanks to new farming methods implemented by ranchers in the California’s Central Valley).  But at New Oak Ranch, we’ve happily preserved 42 trees – providing some limited production along with a magnificent reminder of the heritage of our land.

Our imposing trees surround the seven-plus acres of silver/green olive orchard and provide shade for guests who come to pick lavender and picnic in our fields. With their wide-spreading branches and dark-green foliage, they are a delight to the eye and provide cool respite from the summer’s glaring sun. And unlike some shade trees, the walnut leaves do not drop during the summer but hang on until late in the fall … a welcome gift during Ojai’s often very hot autumn days.

But walnuts bring us more than beauty … they bring us numerous health benefits.  With increasing frequency, research is showing that this delicious nut is a valued food in the well-touted Mediterranean diet (see below).  An excellent source of omega-3 essential fatty acids, walnuts have many potential health benefits ranging from cardiovascular protection, to the promotion of better cognitive function, to anti-inflammatory benefits helpful in asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory skin diseases such as eczema and psoriasis. In addition, walnuts contain an antioxidant compound called ellagic acid that supports the immune system and appears to have several anti-cancer properties.

And last but not least, walnuts bring great taste to our tables … a flavor-packed addition to both savory and sweet dishes.  Try them in a stuffing for pork or poultry, in breads or baklava or in granola or green salad – the ideas are endless.  Walnuts add flavor and nutrition to so many dishes.

"When you plant another tree, why not plant the English Walnut?
Then, besides sentiment, shade and leaves, you may have a
perennial supply of nuts, the improved kind of which furnish the
most delicious, nutritious and healthful food which has ever been
known. The consumption of nuts is probably increasing among all
civilized nations today faster than that of any other food; and
we should keep up with this growing demand and make it still more
rapid by producing nuts of uniform good quality, with a
consequent increase in the health and a permanent increase in the
wealth of ourselves and neighbors.”  Luther Burbank, 1905

The Mediterranean Diet

Because there are at least 16 countries bordering on the Mediterranean Sea, there is no one "Mediterranean" diet.  Diets vary in these countries and between regions within a country. Many differences in culture, ethnic background, religion, economy and agricultural production result in different diets. However, there are definite common characteristics: 

• Diets have a high consumption of fruits, vegetables, bread and other cereals, potatoes, beans, nuts and seeds.
• Olive oil is an important monounsaturated fat source.
• Dairy products, fish and poultry are consumed in low to moderate amounts, and little red meat is eaten.
• Eggs are consumed zero to four times a week
• Wine is consumed in low to moderate amounts