In 1979, the University of California at Davis introduced the first Chandler walnuts to the world. Today, Chandlers have become the most prominent variety grown in California and they're the most popular walnut around the globe. California is the largest grower of walnuts in the US, and our state produced over 200,000 tons in 2017!
Most people value this variety because of their extra light color and high quality kernels. The Chandler walnut is large, smooth, oval nut that has a thin shell. The kernels are also naturally larger sized and plumper. With Chandlers, the lighter the color, the higher the quality. True California sources the extra light color. The other grades are light, light amber, and amber.
Chandlers have a mild but sweeter flavor compared to other walnuts. Almost as if they've been touched by maple syrup. They also taste less bitter than most other varieties. Chandlers have a sub-acid content so most people who are sensitive to walnuts do not feel the tingling sensation in their mouth when eating Chandlers. They're a wonderful walnut that everyone can enjoy anytime!
Walnuts are one of the world's top superfoods. They're packed with powerful nutrients like Omega-3's, Vitamin B6, and magnesium that have been linked to benefits such as:
- Promoting heart, bone, and brain health
- Lowering risk of chronic inflammation and oxidative stress
- Reducing total and LDL cholesterol levels
- Improving male reproductive health
- Supporting healthy skin and hair
In 2016, the US Food Administration forwarded this statement: ""Supportive but not conclusive research shows that eating 1.5 ounces per day of walnuts, as part of a low saturated fat and low cholesterol diet and not resulting in increased caloric intake, may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease." The American Heart Association also granted walnuts the Heart Check certification.
Enjoy!