High quality walnut crop moves into market

FOLSOM, California (November 27, 2007) - The just harvested California walnut crop is rolling into markets showing exceptional

quality nut meats, good color and high quality kernels which all adds up to good news and a higher percentage of edibles than usual. Estimated at 320,000 tons by the USDA NASS California field office, a number which will be confirmed in February, the

California walnut crop has increased by 65 percent since 1992, though the current crop could be 8 percent short of last year.

“Walnuts are high on the radar because over 14 years of clinical research has increasingly shown walnuts to be good for the heart, bones and even aid in weight management and the prevention of type 2 diabetes. Unique among nuts, with high concentrations of Omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and important polyunsaturated fats, research is showing that a handful of walnuts a day can provide very important health benefits,” says Dennis Balint, executive director of the Walnut Marketing Board.

California harvests 99 percent of the walnuts available in the United States and the majority of the world supply.