Walnuts is Kashmir’s Bounty

SRINAGAR, (IANS) – The season of picking walnuts from the trees is at its peak these days in the Kashmir Valley. More than 98 percent of the total walnuts grown in India come from Jammu and Kashmir and are also exported around the globe.

Walnuts found in Jammu and Kashmir are mainly of three types — Vonth, Kaghazi and Barzul.

Vonth is hard and does not break easily. It has a thick and large outer shell, and its kernel is small. This type is sold locally and is mainly used for oil extraction.

The Kaghazi or paper walnut is relatively large. Its outer shell is thin, and the kernel is large and white in color. Paper walnuts can be cracked with bare hands.

Barzool is a medium-sized walnut. It has a black and thick outer shell. The kernel is very tasty and not completely white in color. This variety can be easily broken.

The walnut trees are found in the north and south of the Kashmir Valley. Removing walnuts from the trees is not something everyone can do. Only a skilled worker can perform the task. The trained person sits on a strong branch of a tree with a long stick. The worker then strikes the rest of the branches with force, causing the walnuts on them to fall.

Horticulturists are now making a serious effort to plant short trees to prevent injuries. Also, planting new walnut trees has been made mandatory after cutting the old trees.