Common Walnut - Juglans regia

<strong>Common walnut, <em>Juglans regia</em>,</strong> <strong>is a medium-sized tree, easy to grow</strong> at back of a fairly large garden. Its shade is quite dense and its leaves should not be put in compost. But apart from that, <strong>it is a magnificent tree, planted to last, which only yields its walnuts after 10 to 20 years</strong>, contained in a burr in autumn and able to be stored for over a year. There are nearly 15 species of walnut worldwide that all produce edible walnuts, although species regia provides most varieties consumed in France such as Franquette. These dried fruits, rich in omega-3, are recommended for prevention of heart attacks and strokes with a consumption of only 2 to 3 walnuts per day. Besides their content of fats, fibre and protein, they contain minerals and vitamins including vitamin E, recognised as a very powerful antioxidant to combat cell deterioration. They also reduce risk of type 2 diabetes and help prevent colorectal cancer in women. The walnut belongs to family Juglandaceae and is native to south-eastern Europe and temperate Asia. It requires permanently moist soil and thrives in fertile, alluvial soils of light texture. In lowland areas, choose late varieties less sensitive to spring frosts that affect young shoots. It forms a robust trunk topped by a compact crown. Its dark wood, renowned for its hardness, fine grain and dark colour, together with its burls, are used in cabinetmaking. Leaves are pubescent and bear 7 to 9 leaflets, dark green and almost ovate, turning yellow in autumn.