So, you’ve always wanted to know what’s the difference between English Walnuts vs Black Walnuts. The short answer is the English walnut is mostly grown for food while the black walnut is grown for wood. However, there are many more differences between the two. It is important to understand that English walnuts come from the juglans regia tree while the black walnut is from the juglans nigra tree.
Juglans regia, the English walnut tree, did not originate in England, but rather hails from Persia (what is today known as Iran). The Code of Hammurabi even includes a mention of the walnut in the section regulating the cultivation of crops and legend has it that the English walnut was planted in the Hanging Gardens of Babylon.
The Greeks ultimately gave us the walnut we are all familiar with today through selective breeding that was used to enlarge the nutmeat (the part of the nut that is eaten). However, since walnuts were brought to world markets by English merchants they became known as English walnuts. Learn more about the History of the Walnut in our extensive article on the subject.
Juglans nigra, the black walnut tree, is native to eastern North America and was extensively used by both Native Americans as well as European settlers for its high quality wood. It was introduced from North America into Europe in 1629. Today black walnut wood is used extensively in flooring, furniture, coffins, and even gun stocks.
English Walnuts vs Black Walnuts:
The Flavor
The English walnut has a more appealing taste and is mostly used in cooking, baking, making ice-creams, and roasting because of the unique flavor. The black walnut, on the other hand, has a stronger, earthier flavor. Due to the vast consumer preference for English walnuts, it is almost impossible to find black walnuts in the local supermarket.
However, there are a few companies such as Hammons in the United States that produce and ship black walnuts directly to consumers. While English walnuts end up directly on consumers’ plates, black walnuts are used mostly for making flavorings and extracts by industrial buyers. Black walnuts also have slightly more fat and protein content than their English counterparts.