Steaming Walnuts: A Healthy Cooking Method?

Steaming walnuts is a technique used in cooking to enhance their flavour, colour, and texture. In the culinary context, walnuts can be steamed to make them crispy and fragrant, and they can be added to various dishes, such as salads, snack mixes, baked goods, grain bowls, and roasted vegetables. Additionally, steaming is used in the lumber industry to change the colour of walnut wood. This process involves treating green lumber with wet steam in a tightly sealed structure at specific temperatures and humidity levels to achieve the desired colour transformation.

Toasting walnuts in the oven

Preparation:

First, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While the oven is heating up, line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. This step is optional but recommended for easy cleanup. You can also use a cookie sheet if you don't have a rimmed baking sheet.

Toasting the Walnuts:

Spread the walnuts onto the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, leaving some space between them to ensure even toasting. You can toss the walnuts in oil and salt before placing them on the baking sheet if you prefer, but this step is optional.

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and toast the walnuts for 7 to 10 minutes. It is important to keep a close eye on them as they can go from toasted to burnt very quickly. Start checking them after 5 minutes and then check every minute until they start to brown and you can smell their nutty aroma.

Cooling and Storage:

Once the walnuts are toasted to your desired level, remove them from the oven. Let them cool completely before chopping or using them in your recipe. Toasted walnuts can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or in the refrigerator or freezer for longer-term storage.

Toasting walnuts is a great way to add a golden brown color, nutty aroma, and delicious crunch to your walnuts. They can be used in a variety of dishes, including salads, baked goods, roasted vegetables, and even desserts. Remember to always pay close attention when toasting walnuts, as the difference between toasted and burnt is a matter of seconds!

Toasting walnuts on the stove

Toasting walnuts on a stove is a simple process that can add a lot of flavour to your dishes. It is a technique that can be used to bring out the earthiness of walnuts and minimise any bitterness. To toast walnuts on a stove, follow these steps:

• Toss the walnuts in oil and salt, if desired.
• Heat a medium skillet or a large frying pan over medium heat.
• Add the walnuts to the hot pan, ensuring that they are in a single layer with some space between them. This allows for even heating and browning.
• Cook the walnuts, stirring frequently, until they start to brown and give off a nutty aroma. This should take around 2 to 5 minutes.
• Keep a close eye on the walnuts, as they can go from toasted to burnt very quickly.
• Once the walnuts are browned and fragrant, remove them from the skillet and transfer them to a plate or baking sheet. Allow them to cool completely before chopping or using them in your recipe.

Toasted walnuts can be used in a variety of dishes, such as salads, snack mixes, baked goods, grain bowls, and roasted vegetable side dishes. They add a delicious crunch and a boost of protein and omega-3s to your meals.

Steaming walnut lumber

The process works best when the wood is soaking wet and has not begun to dry. The heat from the steam causes the chemicals in the wood to oxidise rapidly, resulting in a darker colour. This change occurs in both the white sapwood and the darker heartwood of the walnut lumber. The heat also helps to get rid of the greenish hue that freshly sawn walnut sometimes has.

Additionally, the steam creates 100% relative humidity, which prevents the wood from drying during the steaming process. If the humidity were lower, the wood would dry out, crack, and split easily. The steaming process also seems to "open up" the wood pathways, resulting in faster and more uniform drying and a slight difference in absorptivity when finishing.

Overall, the main difference between steamed and unsteamed walnut lumber is the colour. Steamed walnut lumber has a richer, more uniform colour that is highly desirable for furniture, cabinets, and flooring.

Storing walnuts

Walnuts are highly susceptible to spoilage due to their high fat content. Therefore, it is important to store them in cold conditions to maintain their freshness. Here are some tips for storing walnuts:

Where to Store Walnuts

The best place to store walnuts is in a cold environment, preferably in the refrigerator or freezer. If you plan to use the walnuts immediately or within a few days, the refrigerator is ideal. However, if you intend to store them for a month or longer, the freezer is a better option. Remember, cold storage equals fresh taste!

Containers for Storing Walnuts

Whether shelled or in-shell, walnuts should be kept in an airtight container or a resealable freezer bag. This helps protect the walnuts from moisture, light, and warmth, all of which can affect their freshness.

Keeping Walnuts Away from Strong Odors

When storing walnuts in the refrigerator or freezer, keep them away from foods with strong odors such as fish, cabbage, and onions. Walnuts have the ability to absorb the flavours of other foods, so it is important to maintain a safe distance between them.

Chopping or Shelling Walnuts

It is recommended to wait to chop, shell, or grind walnuts until you are ready to use them. This will help maintain their great flavour and reduce the chances of the nuts drying out or going rancid.

Shelf Life of Walnuts

Walnuts can typically last up to a year in the freezer. There is no need to defrost them before use; you can eat them straight from the freezer!

Using walnuts in recipes

Walnuts are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, both sweet and savoury. They can be used raw or toasted, and the toasting process is simple, enhancing the flavour of the walnuts. Toasting can be done in the oven or on the stovetop, and it adds a nutty aroma, golden brown colour, and a delicious crunch to the walnuts. Here are some ideas for using walnuts in recipes:

Baking

Walnuts are a popular ingredient in baked goods such as banana bread, brownies, cakes, cookies, and muffins. They add a crunchy texture and earthy flavour to these treats. Toasting the walnuts before adding them to your batter or dough can enhance their flavour and make them even more delicious.

Salads

Walnuts make a great addition to salads, providing a crunchy texture and nutty flavour. They can be used as a topping on green salads or grain bowls, or as part of a heartier salad with roasted vegetables, fruits, or cheeses. Toasting the walnuts before adding them to your salad can enhance their flavour and make them stand out.

Pesto

Walnuts are a great substitute for pine nuts in pesto. Simply blend them with olive oil, garlic, and your choice of herbs to make a delicious, nutty sauce that can be used on pasta, chicken, or sandwiches. You can even freeze your pesto in ice cube trays for easy, flavourful additions to future meals.

Snacks

Walnuts on their own make a great snack, but you can also spice them up by roasting them with different seasonings or making candied walnuts. They can be a healthy and delicious on-the-go snack, and they're also great for entertaining.

Vegetarian and Vegan Dishes

Walnuts are a popular ingredient in vegetarian and vegan dishes, as they provide a good source of protein and healthy fats. They can be used as a ground beef substitute in pasta sauces, tacos, or bolognese, or as a filling for eggplant rolls or sandwiches.

Desserts

Walnuts can be used in a variety of desserts, such as pies, bars, cakes, and galettes. They add a crunchy texture and sweet flavour to these treats. Honey walnut bars, walnut pie crust, and walnut snowball cookies are just a few examples of desserts that showcase the versatility of walnuts.

Frequently asked questions