Walnut facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Juglans |
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Walnut trees are amazing plants that mostly grow in the northern parts of the world. They belong to a group of trees called Juglans. These trees can grow very tall, from about 10 to 40 meters (30 to 130 feet) high!
People use walnut trees for many things. Their wood is very strong and dark. It is often used to make beautiful furniture. The tasty fruit of these trees are called walnuts. You can eat them as a snack or use them to make oil.
Long ago, some Native American tribes found a clever use for the outer part of the walnut. They used it to help them catch fish. Walnut trees grow in many places, from Europe all the way to the Himalayas and southwest China. In America, you can find them from Canada down to Argentina.
Contents
What Are Walnut Trees?
Walnut trees are a type of plant that belongs to the Juglans group. They are known for their strong wood and delicious nuts. These trees are found mostly in the northern half of the world.
Where Walnuts Grow
Walnut trees are quite common. You can find them growing naturally in many different regions:
- Across Europe
- Eastward into the Himalayas mountains
- In southwest China
- Throughout North and South America, from Canada to Argentina
How Tall Do Walnuts Get?
Walnut trees are tall! They can reach heights of 10 to 40 meters. That's like a building with 3 to 13 floors! Their height makes them stand out in forests and landscapes.
Uses of Walnut Trees
Walnut trees are very useful. People use different parts of the tree for various purposes.
Walnut Wood
The wood from walnut trees is very special. It is known for being:
- Hard: This makes it very durable and long-lasting.
- Dark in color: It has a rich, deep brown color that looks great.
Because of these qualities, walnut wood is a top choice for making furniture. It's also used for things like cabinets and decorative items.
Walnut Fruit: The Nut!
The most famous part of the walnut tree is its fruit, which we call a walnut.
- Eating: Walnuts are a popular snack. They are full of healthy fats and nutrients.
- Oil: You can press walnuts to make oil. This oil is used in cooking and sometimes in art.
Historical Uses
Native American tribes had a unique use for the outer shell of the walnut. They would use material from it to help them catch fish. This shows how resourceful people were with natural resources.
Images for kids
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Walnuts
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California black walnut in growth.
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Walnut shell inside its green husk
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Walnuts in their shells available for sale in a supermarket in the United States.
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A three-segment shell which occurs rarely.
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Walnut in shell and a nutcracker utensil used to break the shell
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Video of cracking a walnut
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Walnuts as a snack
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A large serving of shelled walnuts
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Applesauce coffee cake garnished with walnuts
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Walnuts as collectibles
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Muraba made from young walnuts
See also
In Spanish: Nuez para niños
