Walnut

A dark, exclusive beauty

Walnut is a dark wood species. The wood is straight grained with creamy sapwood. The heartwood is pale brown to dark chocolate in color. Unlike most wood species, Walnut turns lighter over the years and becomes golden brown. Walnut is a popular choice for furniture, cabinet-making, flooring and cooking. Kährs Walnut flooring conveys a sense of luxury and coziness.

A real eye-opener

Walnut has many good things going for it. Botanically, its nuts are not actually nuts at all – they are stone fruits rich in polyunsaturated fat, iron and antioxidants. Research shows that Walnuts in the diet can have a positive effect on memory.

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A holy tree for the Greeks and Romans

The Walnut family consists of 20 or so species. This tree species originates from south-eastern Europe and western Asia but is mainly cultivated in North America, France and Italy. In these countries, it is financially important both the timber and the Walnuts themselves.

Walnut trees can become up to 98 feet (30 m) in height. The trunk is thick and straight. Over time it stops being smooth and starts being grooved and cracked. The crown is broad at the top and made up of large, shiny leaves with a pleasant scent. Walnuts are a stone fruit that grow once the tree is around ten years old. The nutshell is green initially but when it matures it cracks open to reveal the grooved slightly oval nut that is so popular in a number of classic dishes and as a snack.

A symbol of fertility

The Walnut was a holy tree in both Greece and Rome in ancient times. It was a symbol of fertility devoted to Artemis, Goddess of chastity and the hunt, and Diana, her Roman equivalent.

The beauty of Walnut, transferred to humans

The oil extracted from Walnut is excellent for cooking. It is also used in cosmetics. Its softening qualities make the skin beautiful and a hair masque containing Walnut oil is said to strengthen dry hair.

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  • Walnut (Lat. Juglans nigra)

  • Family: Walnut (Lat. Juglandaceae)

  • Size: Walnut can grow up to 30 m in height (4-5 m when cultivated).

  • Origin of Kährs Walnut flooring: USA and Asia

  • Hardness: Softer than Oak. Brinell value: 3.5

  • Color change: Medium to dark browns amber to a more golden brown, some muting of color variation.

  • Random fact: In ancient times, people believed that back aches could be relieved by carrying a walnut in its shell in the pocket. Documented to be a beneficial nut.