Tehama - The Magazine

30 TEHAMA - THE MAGAZINE, October 2014 and Tulares. According to Greg, Chandlers are by far the most popular walnut to grow these days. "Growers like them because their high crop production fetches a high return," Greg said. "Buyers are willing to pay a premium for Chandlers due to their extremely light colored kernel and high percentage of edible yield. Many varieties ripen at different times so most growers like to grow several different varieties to spread out the harvest season." This season, California Walnut Company processed 13 million pounds of walnuts, most of which they purchase from other growers throughout Northern California. As for successfully growing walnuts, Gilchrist said that walnuts are not difficult to grow if you do your homework. "You need keep up to date on the latest research. You can't skimp on fertilizer, irrigation and pest control. It's expensive to grow high quality walnuts, but these days the growers are definitely being rewarded with the highest prices in the history of the walnut industry." Not far down the road, the Bianchi Orchard is also a family-owned and operated business, producing premium Chandler walnuts on a 60-acre farm. For 36 years the Bianchi family produced crops that were sold in bulk to brokers and product handlers. In 2009, the family started to package and market their own branded retail pack walnuts including premium shelled Chandler walnuts, glazed walnuts and chocolate covered walnuts. Just recently, they opened a walnut tasting shop in a renovated barn for those who would like to taste walnuts grown and processed in the area. Julie Bianchi-Solwick, the fourth of five Bianchi siblings, says the mild natural nuts are the most popular, often used for baking, adding to salads and as an easy snack. The Bianchi Orchards Walnut Shop is located at 10337 Hwy 99 E., Los Molinos. Fall tasting room hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays Health Fact: Walnuts have long been touted as a healthy snack, but today we know they contain the highest amount of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), the plant- based omega-3 essential fatty acid. One ounce of walnuts provides 18g of total fat, 2.5g of monounsaturated fat, 13g of polyunsaturated fat, including 2.5g of alpha–linolenic acid. Walnuts are known to be good for the heart, promote weight loss, fight cancer and are diabetes friendly.

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