Basic Introduction to Zuogong Walnuts
Zuogong Walnuts are a specialty of Zuogong County in the Tibet Autonomous Region. They are neatly arranged and have flat or slightly recessed suture lines. Their shape is round or oval, with large fruits and full kernels that are yellowish-white in color and have a crisp, fragrant taste. The county is crisscrossed by numerous rivers, and the abundant local water resources ensure good growth of walnut trees, making them strong. The ample water supply provides an ideal environment for the growth of Zuogong Walnuts, resulting in full-bodied fruits with plump kernels.
Zuogong County has a semi-arid temperate climate typical of southeastern Tibet, with small annual temperature differences and relatively high heat utilization efficiency. Summer sees concentrated rainfall, with maximum precipitation reaching approximately 683.2 millimeters. This concentrated rainfall meets the needs of walnut growth and development. The fruits of Zuogong Walnuts start to swell in late July. The county receives an annual total solar radiation of 588 kJ/cm² and has 2,186 hours of annual sunshine, with even longer daylight hours during summer and autumn, often exceeding ten hours per day. This is conducive to the accumulation of nutrients and high yields, as well as contributing to the unique crisp and fragrant quality of the walnuts.
Zuogong County is located in the mountainous gorge region of southeastern Tibet, with higher terrain in the north and lower in the south. The Nujiang River, Lancang River, and Yuru River flow from north to south through the county in a character “chuan” formation. These rivers create three distinct river valley landscapes. The superior geographical location of Zuogong County provides suitable growing conditions for Zuogong Walnuts.
The protected area for Zuogong Walnuts includes the towns and townships of Wangda, Tiantuo, Zayu, Dongba, Zhonglinka, Meiyu, Xialinka, Bitu, Ren'guo, and Raojin, comprising a total of 10 towns and townships and 128 administrative villages (residents' committees). The eastern boundary is Rueba Village in Ren'guo Township, the southern boundary is Longxi Village in Bitu Township, the western boundary is Zhongqing Village in Zhonglinka Township, and the northern boundary is Bianyu Village in Meiyu Township. The geographic coordinates range from 97°25′04″E to 98°26′58″E and 28°55′25″N to 30°09′46″N. The production scale is 66.66 hectares, with an annual output of 500 tons.
Nutritional Value
Protein content ≥ 11g/100g, calcium content ≥ 600mg/100kg, fat content ≥ 30%.
Zuogong Walnuts contain multiple unsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, which can help reduce cholesterol levels. Therefore, eating these walnuts is beneficial for heart health.
The vitamin E in walnut kernels protects cells from oxidative damage caused by free radicals. It is recognized by the medical community as an anti-aging substance, hence why walnuts are referred to as the “immortal fruit” and “longevity nut.”
Product Characteristics
(1) Sensory Quality: Zuogong Walnuts are characterized by their rich vitamin content and high levels of unsaturated fatty acids.
(2) Safety Requirements: Zuogong Walnuts should be produced strictly in accordance with national standards.
Awards and Honors
Zuogong Walnuts were announced by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs as a product registered under the first batch of Geographical Indication labels for agricultural products in 2021.
Serving Suggestions for Zuogong Walnuts
To enjoy Zuogong Walnuts, you can blend walnut kernels with rock sugar to make “walnut paste.” Store this paste in a ceramic jar and take two teaspoons at a time, mixing it with boiling water. When mixed, a layer of white liquid will rise to the surface, creating a “walnut milk” that is rich and delicious.
Regular consumption of “walnut porridge,” made by grinding walnut kernels into a powder and cooking it, nourishes the skin, making it smooth and fair, especially beneficial for the elderly whose skin may be more prone to aging.
Eating walnuts regularly can help treat insomnia caused by kidney deficiency. To prepare a remedy, blend five walnut kernels with 30 grams of rock sugar into a paste, then cook it over low heat with 50 milliliters of rice wine for 30 minutes. Take one dose daily, divided into two servings.