Consumer Q&A: Go Nuts!

Q: Are almond trees grown in Georgia? I bought two and cut them down before realizing that the seed inside the fruit was the almond.  

A: ‘Hall’s Hardy’ is cold-hardy and will grow in our area. However, it has some issues. I don’t think that all the almonds sold under this name are the true variety. Some are quite bitter. Some people report the seeds are difficult to crack. Even the true Hall’s Hardy is not supposed to be as sweet as the varieties grown in California and Jordan.  Ison’s here in Georgia carries a variety named ‘All-in-One’ that I have not had any experience with. 

The almond is closely related to the peach.  The nut is at the center of the fruit.  Almonds are attractive bloomers  in the spring like peaches are, but they can be prone to some of the same insect and disease pests, too.

My solutions? Eat Georgia pecans, or plant an almond tree for beauty. If it produces any nuts worth eating, they are the almond icing on the cake.

Q: What kind of walnut is sold in the grocery store? It does not taste the same as the black walnuts I grew up with.

A: The ones sold in grocery stores are usually English walnuts (Juglans regia). They are also called “Persian walnuts” because they originally come from Iran. Sometimes you may hear them called “California walnuts” because most of the ones in this country are grown there. We do not know of anyone growing them in Georgia.

The black walnut (Juglans nigra) is native to Georgia. It has a thicker and harder shell than its Persian cousin. It also has a stronger, bolder flavor that makes it a favorite to make distinctive cakes and ice creams. Black walnut meats can sometimes be found for sale in the Farmers and Consumers Market Bulletin. The black walnut is also noted for its beautiful and highly-prized dark wood. It is a handsome, distinctive and long-lived tree in the landscape.

The butternut (Juglans cinerea) is another native, but less common, walnut you may be lucky to come across. It is noted for its buttery-tasting nuts. Both black walnut and butternut have long been used as a source of dye for fabric.

Q: Is it possible to substitute pecans for pine nuts or walnuts in a pesto recipe? Pine nuts are expensive, and I like to use Georgia products when I can.  

A: Yes, it is possible to use Georgia pecans in your pesto instead of pine nuts or walnuts. The pecans may be toasted or used raw. Because pecans taste different than pine nuts and walnuts, make a small batch at first to see how it compares with what you are used to and to be sure you have just the right mix of basil leaves, nuts, parmesan cheese, garlic cloves and olive oil.  

Q: Are peanuts a root crop?

A: Not really. Although they develop underground, peanuts are not roots themselves and are not attached to the peanut plant’s root system. The peanut begins as a flower above ground. After pollination, the pedicel (flower stalk) begins to extend and a “peg” begins to form. This peg buries itself in the ground and becomes a peanut.

Peanuts have a fascinating life cycle. No other crop we grow is like it.