Our walnut varieties
Walnuts are loved worldwide for their rich, earthy flavor and numerous health benefits. While most people think of a walnut as just a walnut, there are actually different varieties grown in Australia and beyond—much like grapes (chardonnay or merlot) or apples (pink lady or golden delicious). These varieties vary in both appearance and flavor.
We often get asked about the different walnut varieties and their unique qualities. All of them can be eaten raw or used in cooking, but each one shines in specific ways.
Let’s dive into the walnut varieties we offer at Coaldale Walnuts and explore what makes each one special.
Walnut species
First, let’s clarify the species. We’re talking about the English walnut, also known as the Persian walnut (Juglans regia), which is the most common variety consumed for eating.
Chandler
Chandler walnuts are a premium variety of English walnut, known for their outstanding quality and versatility. These walnuts stand out for their large size and light color, both in the shell and the kernel, offering a mild, buttery flavor.
Their thinner shells make Chandler walnuts easy to crack—a positive and a negative. While they’re simple to open, they can also break more easily. However, their high-kernel-to-shell ratio means you get more nut and less waste.
What makes Chandler walnuts especially popular is their sweet, creamy flavor. This makes them perfect for enjoying raw, whether sprinkled over salads or eaten as a snack. Of course, they’re also fantastic in cooking, adding a rich flavor to any dish.
Vina
Vina walnuts are another premium variety of English walnut, specially bred to thrive in a range of climates. Their shells are not too thick, striking the perfect balance between easy cracking and solid protection for the kernel.
Once cracked, the high-quality kernel offers an excellent kernel-to-shell ratio. The natural color of the Vina kernel is slightly darker than other varieties, giving it a distinctive look.
Vina walnuts are celebrated for their rich, nutty flavor, which intensifies beautifully when roasted, candied, or used in baking.
When you purchase Vina walnuts from us, you’ll find a few Chandlers mixed in. Chandler is the pollinator variety in the Vina orchard. The two varieties have slightly different pollen release timings, which creates a longer window for optimal pollination.
Franquette
Franquette walnuts are a classic and highly regarded variety of English walnut, originally from France. Known for their exceptional flavor and durability, Franquettes are also highly resistant to cold. At Coaldale Walnuts, we grow Franquette as the pollinator variety in our Chandler orchard. Since Chandler is the predominant variety, you’ll find a few Franquette nuts mixed in when you purchase Chandlers from us.
Franquette walnuts are easy to spot thanks to their pointy shape, in contrast to the rounder Chandlers. Their thicker shells provide excellent protection for the nut, making them ideal for long-term storage. However, this also means the shells are tougher to crack. Once opened, though, the Franquette offers a solid kernel-to-shell ratio.
With a rich, buttery flavor, Franquette walnuts are incredibly versatile. They’re perfect for snacking, baking, or cooking, adding depth and richness to any dish.
You can’t go wrong with any of these walnuts. They’re a great source of healthy fats, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids, making them not only delicious, but also a nutritious choice.
