Common Walnut Corne - Juglans regia

Juglans regia 'Corne', also known as the 'Corne du Périgord', is an ancient variety native to Corrèze, very hardy, vigorous, productive and self-fertile. It produces medium-sized walnuts, with an elliptical shape and a fairly thick, hard and solid shell. The white kernels are of excellent taste quality with a fine texture, a sweet and sugary flavour, and subtly perfumed aromas. The late harvest takes place around mid-October, and the fruits can be eaten raw, roasted, dried or processed into oil. It is a majestic tree, both fruit-bearing and ornamental, and is best suited for large spaces. Fruit production will be higher when planted near another walnut variety. It is preferably planted in autumn. Harvest begins in early September.

Juglans regia, commonly known as the Common Walnut or Royal Walnut or Calottier, is a tree belonging to the Juglandaceae family. It is native to a vast region ranging from southeastern Europe to China. It is the origin of the main varieties cultivated in France, both for its walnuts and its high-quality wood. The 'Corne de Périgord' variety is an original creation from the Ayen canton in Corrèze (France). It is quite sensitive to anthracnose and moderately sensitive to bacterial diseases.

Juglans regia 'Corne du Périgord' forms a large tree with a semi-erect structure that can reach a height of 6 to 8 metres (20 to 26 feet), with a diameter of 5 to 7 metres (16 to 23 feet). Its habit is well suited for tall forms (on a stem). Its deciduous foliage is composed of large leaves, 20 to 30cm (8 to 12in) long, alternate, with 5 to 9 lanceolate leaflets that turn yellow in autumn. The leaves of the walnut tree emit an aromatic odour when crushed, which can repel gnats and mosquitoes. The late flowering occurs from late April to mid-May, which generally protects it from frost. The male flowers appear in the form of greenish yellow catkins, measuring 5 to 10cm (2 to 4in) long, while the female flowers are rather insignificant. It is a hardy tree that can withstand temperatures around -25°C, but its growth is sensitive to sudden very cold winters.

The 'Corne du Périgord' Walnut is a high-yielding variety, with a relatively slow fruiting period (7 to 10 years) and abundant and regular fruit production. Around mid-October, the husk (green fleshy covering of the walnut) bursts on the tree and drops the nuts to the ground. This variety produces medium-sized walnuts, with an elliptical shape, 3 to 4cm (1 to 2in) long and 3cm (1in) in diameter, with a fairly thick, hard and solid shell. The white kernels are of excellent taste quality with a fine texture, a sweet and sugary flavour, and subtly perfumed aromas. The walnut can be eaten fresh right after picking, simply for pleasure or indulgence. When dried, it can be used in numerous recipes: desserts, pastries, salads, cheeses, etc. Roasted, it enhances its sweet flavour and intense aromas while minimizing the bitterness of the fruit. It is also appreciated in the form of walnut oil. Green walnuts can also be harvested in June, on Saint John's Day, to make walnut wine.

Rich in magnesium, calcium, vitamins B and E, iron, minerals and trace elements, the walnut is nutritionally interesting. It is also rich in fibre, antioxidants, Omega-3 and fatty acids, making it a super fruit for a balanced diet and numerous health benefits. Walnuts can be stored for 1 to 2 years by drying them on racks in a well-ventilated and dry space, at a temperature of 7 to 10°C.

No planting is possible under its canopy, as few plants can tolerate its competition, which is due to the production of juglone, an aromatic compound toxic to most plants. It produces valuable, highly decorative, high-quality wood.