If you have ever come across black walnuts, you’ve probably felt pretty perturbed. After all, these nuts do not sound like something that should be edible, and you might be tempted to treat them with caution. Dark colors aren’t usually associated with positive things when it comes to nuts!
If you’ve got a black walnut from a packet of normal walnuts, you should not eat it. Darkened nuts can be dangerous, and may have been attacked by fungal infections. Test whether the nut smells and tastes rancid, and throw it away if it does. However, it’s worth noting that black walnuts that come from the Juglans nigra tree are safe to eat, although only in small quantities.
In this article, we’ll check out more about whether black walnuts are safe, what their drawbacks and benefits are, and whether you should eat them. We’ll also briefly cover some of the warning signs that a nut is no longer safe to consume, so you don’t accidentally make yourself sick by eating unsuitable nuts.
Can You Eat Black Walnuts?
Black walnuts that come from the black walnut tree are considered safe to eat, and indeed these are seen as a delicacy in some parts of the world. They are particularly flavorful and tasty snacks, and they are also among the most expensive nuts you can buy!
These black walnuts are perfectly safe to eat, but it is recommended that you only eat them in small quantities because few long-term studies have been done on the effects of eating a lot of them. They may cause undesired effects in some cases.
You might be wondering if the same applies to a black walnut you have pulled from a packet of normal walnuts, but you should treat discolored ordinary walnuts with more caution. Discoloration in nuts is often a sign of decay or molding. If the nut has gone off, there’s a chance that the bacteria in it could make you very sick.
If you’re eating ordinary walnuts and you find a black walnut in the packet, you should check the following:
- Does the nut smell musty, unpleasant, or rancid?
- Does the nut look okay, or can you see spots of mold on its surface?
- Does the nut have an oily, sticky feeling?
- Does the nut taste bad if you nibble a corner?
If you are concerned about a black walnut from a packet of ordinary walnuts, it’s safer to throw it out. There’s a chance that it got wet during harvesting or processing, and it may have gone off. Don’t eat it, in case it makes you sick. If the whole packet is black, smell them to test whether they have gone rancid before discarding them.
What Makes Ordinary Walnuts Turn Black?
If your walnuts are stored in improper conditions, particularly if they are exposed to dampness, there is a risk that they will start to discolor and darken, as they will be attacked by mold. The oils in the nut will turn rancid, and the nuts will start to smell bad.
Sometimes, they will shrivel up. In other cases, they will retain their shape and appearance, but will turn black on the outside, and stay pale inside. In such situations, the walnuts should be discarded, because they could cause stomach upsets, nausea, vomiting, etc.
Make sure you store your walnuts in cool, dry conditions to ensure they last as long as possible, and don’t eat walnuts that smell or taste bad.
Are Black Walnuts Good For You?
The proper kind of black walnuts is thought to be good for you in small quantities, yes. They can lower your cholesterol levels and they contain an amino acid called arginine, which might be able to lower your blood pressure.
There is also some preliminary research to suggest that black walnuts may be able to inhibit the growth of certain kinds of cancer cells, although far more study is needed to fully understand the significance of this research.
However, it is also thought that black walnuts can affect how your body absorbs certain medications. If you suddenly incorporate black walnuts into your diet, there’s a risk that it will affect how you respond to medicine. Be cautious about this, therefore, especially if you take regular medication.
You should also be aware that there are some connections between black walnuts and stomach irritation. Eating small quantities should mitigate this issue, but it is still something to consider.
Conclusion
Walnuts should only be black if you have specifically purchased black walnuts. If you haven’t, your walnuts should be caramel-brown, with cream or white centers. Don’t eat nuts that you think have got damp and attacked by fungi; there is a risk that they could make you very sick.
