Walnuts are more than just a tasty snack.

These brain-shaped nuts have a fascinating history that stretches back thousands of years, from ancient civilizations to your kitchen today.

As one of the oldest tree foods known to humankind, walnuts have been revered across cultures not just for their flavor, but also for their health benefits and symbolic meanings.

Early Origins: The Persian Roots

The history of walnuts begins in ancient Persia, where they were known as the “royal nut” and reserved exclusively for royalty. Persians believed walnuts were a divine food, packed with the strength to fuel both body and mind. The nuts were so prized that they were often used as gifts and trade goods, along the Silk Road to other parts of Asia and Europe.

Even in ancient Greece, walnuts were celebrated for their supposed medicinal properties. Greek scholars and physicians, such as Dioscorides and Hippocrates, praised them for treating ailments ranging from coughs to digestive problems.

Walnut Trees Spread Across Europe

Walnuts became a symbol of fertility and prosperity in many cultures, and their cultivation spread across Europe thanks to the Romans. They planted walnut trees wherever they conquered, believing the nuts would thrive in any climate. The spread of walnuts through Europe led to different varieties and uses in regional cuisines. In medieval times, nuts were not only consumed as food but also used in medicinal concoctions to treat headaches.

In Italy and France, walnuts became essential ingredients in traditional dishes, such as Italian walnut sauce or French walnut-infused treats. Walnut trees were often planted in churchyards, symbolizing longevity and strength, and walnut oil was used in everything from cooking to preserving artworks.

The Nut’s Voyage to the New World

The story of the walnut took a new turn when European explorers brought the nut to North America in the 17th century. English settlers were the first to plant walnut trees in the American colonies, and soon, the trees began flourishing. However, it wasn’t until the 1800s that walnuts were commercially cultivated in California, which is now the heart of walnut production in the United States.

California’s fertile soil and mild climate proved perfect for walnut farming, and by the early 20th century, the state had become the leading walnut producer in the world. Today, California accounts for nearly 99% of the walnut supply in the U.S., providing these rich, buttery nuts for everything from baked goods to salads and snacks.

Symbolism and Nutritional Powerhouse

Walnuts haven’t just been valued for their taste—throughout history, they’ve been seen as a symbol of wisdom, fertility, and abundance. In ancient Rome, brides and grooms would scatter walnuts to symbolize good fortune and hope for many children. Even in modern times, walnuts are seen as a symbol of knowledge because their shape resembles the human brain.

But it’s not all symbolism—walnuts are a true nutritional powerhouse. Packed with antioxidants, and essential vitamins, they’re a perfect blend of health and flavor. Studies suggest that consuming walnuts can support heart health, improve brain function, and even promote better sleep.

From Royalty to Your Pantry

The next time you open a walnut, think about the journey it has taken through time. From the ancient Persian kings to Greek philosophers, from Roman soldiers to American farmers, this humble nut has been a treasured food for centuries. So whether you’re adding them to your morning oatmeal or baking them into a cake, you’re part of a long, delicious tradition.