The history of Agriculture in Turkey is not complete without a chapter or two on Walnuts. The country is synonymous with walnut production and even some Agricultural historians consider Turkey to be the motherland of Walnuts. This is not a far-fetched assertion; historical records and Archeological evidence of Walnut production in Turkey are very old. In the tomb of King Midas in Gordion, near Polatlı in Turkey, a wood analysis determined wood embed with the legendary king Midas carved from the following walnut varieties: J. regia L., Taxus baccata L, Buxus sempervierns L and Cedrus libaniv are members of the Juglandaceae family.
This long association with Walnuts has firmly woven Walnuts production and consumption into the Turkish cultural identity. For centuries, Walnuts have found its way into various facet of Turkish life this has been aided by suitable weather conditions and favorable soil characteristics and deep interest among the locals has propelled the spread of walnut trees almost throughout Turkey.
Wondering how Turkish people taken advantage of Walnut trees over time?
We explore some use of Walnuts trees in the Turkish culture.
As a rich source of Nutrients
For centuries, walnuts have been the go-to protein tree for protein and energy needs especially in Turkish rural areas. To this end, leaves, fruits, roots and husks have been utilized. In certain Turkish rural areas, bread without walnuts is often considered an incomplete meal.
As a source of Medicine
Walnuts have been utilized to treat and cure various ailments and conditions. Walnuts are utilized in the treatment of skin care, fighting parasites, treating pimples and preventing hair loss. Teas made from walnuts leaves are used to reduce cholesterol levels and even some believe that walnuts strengthens one’s liver.
As a source of good luck
Perhaps, the immense benefits of walnuts made some believe that there is something supernatural about walnuts. It is little wonder then that some believe that walnuts offer luck and abundance when consumed.
As meals for special occasions
Traditionally, in walnut production areas; a special meal during a holiday or other special occasions is not complete without the addition of walnuts. Nutritious and energizer meals especially for proteins and fats have been made by using walnuts in sweets. In Turkish cuisine, ‘kek’, ‘batrak’, ‘aşure’, ‘kek’, ‘cevizli helva’, ‘cevizli ekmek’, ‘baklava’, and ‘kadayıf’ are important meals made with walnut. In short, walnuts are multipurpose fruits in Turkish cuisine.
Turkey is the natural home for walnuts. There are very few places where culture and the right ecological conditions converge. The historical past of walnuts in Turkey has been illustrious, the future promises to be profitable and healthily for all stakeholders.
Make a point to invest in this future in our beautiful Walnut Farm lands in Manisa.
