Common Walnut Weinsberg 1 - Juglans regia

Juglans regia Weinsberg 1 is a hardy, vigorous, self-fertile variety originating from Germany, highly productive with a mid-late flowering. It produces very large, oval-shaped, quite elongated nuts with a particularly thin shell. The thin-skinned kernels have an excellent, aromatic taste with a fine and sweet texture. The fruits can be eaten raw, roasted, dried or used to make oil. Dried nuts can be stored for 1 to 2 years. This Walnut prefers a sunny exposure, in deep and rich soil, even limestone. It is a majestic, fruit-bearing and ornamental tree best suited for large spaces. It is a partially self-fertile variety, fruit production will be improved with another walnut variety nearby. It is best planted in autumn or spring. Harvesting takes place from mid-September to early October.

Juglans regia, more commonly known as the Common Walnut, Royal Walnut or Calottier, is a tree belonging to the Juglandaceae family. It is native to a vast region stretching from southeastern Europe to China. The Weinsberg 1 variety is a selection that comes from the Institute for Teaching and Research for Fruits and Viticulture (LVWO) in Weinsberg, Germany.

Juglans regia Weinsberg 1 forms a large tree with a stout canopy that can reach 8 to 10 metres (26 to 33 feet) high and 6 to 8 metres (20 to 26 feet) in diameter. Its spreading habit is well suited for tall forms (on a standard). Its deciduous foliage consists of large, 20 to 30 cm (8 to 12in) long, alternate leaves with 5 to 9 lanceolate leaflets that turn yellow in autumn. The leaves of the walnut tree emit an aromatic scent when crushed, which can repel midges and mosquitoes. The mid-late flowering occurs in May-June, which generally protects it from frost. The male flowers appear as yellow-green catkins, measuring 5 to 10 cm (2 to 4in) long, and the female flowers are rather inconspicuous. It is a hardy tree that can tolerate temperatures around -25°C, but its growth is sensitive to sudden cold winters. This variety is self-fertile, but fruit production can be improved by the presence of another walnut tree nearby for cross-pollination to increase the number of fruits.

Juglans regia Weinsberg 1 is a high-yielding variety, with quick fruiting (3 to 5 years) and abundant and regular harvests. From mid-September to early October, the brou (green fleshy husk of the nut) splits on the tree and drops the nuts to the ground. This variety produces large, oval-shaped, quite elongated nuts, measuring 4 to 5 cm (2in) long and 3 cm (1in) in diameter, with a particularly thin shell. The thin-skinned kernels are of excellent taste quality with a fine and sweet texture and an aromatic flavour. The nut can be eaten fresh right after harvesting. When dried, it can be used in many recipes: desserts, pastries, salads, cheeses, etc. Roasting or grilling the nut brings out its sweet flavour and intense aromas while minimizing the bitterness of the fruit. It is also appreciated in the form of walnut oil. Green nuts can also be harvested in June for making walnut wine.

Walnuts are nutritious, rich in magnesium, calcium, B and E vitamins, iron, minerals, and trace elements. They are low in calories and rich in fibre, antioxidants, Omega-3, and fatty acids, contributing to a balanced diet and with numerous health benefits. Nuts 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.

In the category of nuts, the Common Walnut Weinsberg 1 forms a large, hardy, and vigorous tree, relatively resistant to diseases. Easy to grow, it likes moist, deep, and rich soils, but it dislikes stagnant humidity. No planting is possible under its canopy, due to the production of juglone, an aromatic compound toxic to most plants.