What Are the Different Types of Walnuts Available in Pakistan?

What Are the Different Types of Walnuts Available in Pakistan?

Walnuts, known as "Akhrot" (اخروٹ) in Urdu, hold a cherished place in Pakistani culinary traditions, particularly during the winter months. Prized for their rich, oily kernels and diverse health benefits, walnuts are an integral part of snacks, traditional desserts, and baked goods.

Pakistan's diverse climate supports both indigenous walnut cultivation and the import of premium varieties, catering to a wide range of consumer preferences. NEOZA, a trusted dry fruit provider, sources high-quality walnuts directly from the pristine Himalayan regions, ensuring that customers receive fresh, organic, and nutrient-rich walnuts.

Let’s explore the different types of walnuts available in Pakistan, their characteristics, benefits, and best uses.

Understanding Walnut Diversity in Pakistan:

Pakistan's walnut market features a blend of local and imported varieties, each with distinct characteristics and nutritional profiles.

 

1. Local Pakistani Walnuts (Desi Akhrot)

Local Pakistani walnuts are mainly grown in the northern regions of Pakistan, where the climate is ideal for their cultivation. These walnuts are organic, rich in oil, and have a slightly bitter yet earthy taste. They are mostly sold in whole-shell form but can also be found in shelled halves and broken pieces.

Characteristics:

• Hard, thick, and uneven shell

• Rich, earthy, and slightly bitter taste

• High oil content, making them more flavorful

Nutritional Benefits:

• Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which support brain and heart health

• High in fiber, aiding digestion and weight management

• Loaded with antioxidants, helping to strengthen immunity

Best Uses:

• Eaten raw or roasted as a nutritious winter snack

• Used in Gajar ka Halwa, Akhrot ka Halwa, and Panjeeri

• Added to yogurt, cereals, and smoothies for extra nutrition

2. English Walnuts (Persian Walnuts – Imported Akhrot)

English walnuts, also called Persian walnuts, are one of the most widely consumed walnut varieties in Pakistan. These walnuts are imported from the USA, Iran, and China and are known for their mild, sweet taste and smooth texture. They have a lighter-colored shell and are easier to crack compared to local Pakistani walnuts.

Characteristics:

• Thin, light brown shell

• Mild, sweet, and less bitter taste

• Softer texture, making them easier to chew

Nutritional Benefits:

• Heart-friendly fats that help lower bad cholesterol

• Improves brain function and memory

• Good for skin and hair health due to vitamin E content

Best Uses:

• Used in baking cakes, brownies, and biscuits

• Added to granola, oatmeal, and energy bars

• Consumed raw or mixed with other dried fruits

3. Kashmiri Walnuts (Akhrot from Azad Kashmir & Swat)

Kashmiri walnuts are one of the best local varieties in Pakistan. They are grown in the Azad Kashmir and Swat regions, where they flourish in an organic environment without pesticides. These walnuts are prized for their high oil content, rich flavor, and health benefits.

Characteristics:

• Hard shell with a rough texture

• Strong, earthy taste with a buttery texture

• High oil content, giving them a richer flavor

Nutritional Benefits:

• Boosts brain function and memory due to omega-3 fatty acids

• Supports bone health with high calcium and magnesium levels

• Strengthens immunity, making them an ideal winter food

Best Uses:

• Crushed and mixed with honey for energy-boosting snacks

• Used in Kashmiri Chai (Pink Tea) for enhanced flavor

• Added to winter herbal remedies and desi sweets

4. Black Walnuts (Juglans Nigra – Limited Availability in Pakistan)

Black walnuts are not widely available in Pakistan but can sometimes be found in premium dry fruit stores. These walnuts are mainly imported from the USA and are known for their bold, slightly bitter flavor and hard shell. They have a higher protein content than English walnuts but are less commonly used in everyday cooking.

Characteristics:

• Thick, dark, and extremely hard shell

• Strong, earthy, and slightly bitter taste

• More expensive than other walnut varieties

Nutritional Benefits:

• Higher protein content than regular walnuts

• Supports heart health with polyphenols and omega-3s

• Aids in brain function and stress reduction

Best Uses:

• Used in gourmet dishes and premium desserts

• Incorporated into nut-based spreads and oils

• Consumed raw for medicinal and herbal benefits

5. Chandler Walnuts (Premium Imported Variety)

Chandler walnuts are one of the most popular premium walnut varieties in Pakistan, mainly imported from California, USA. These walnuts have a higher kernel-to-shell ratio, meaning they provide more edible nut meat than other varieties.

Characteristics:

• Large, smooth, and light-colored shell

• Sweet, mild taste with a crunchy texture

• High-quality imported variety

Nutritional Benefits:

• Rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for brain and heart health

• Supports skin and hair health due to vitamin E content

• Packed with essential minerals like phosphorus and magnesium

Best Uses:

• Ideal for making walnut butter and nut spreads

• Commonly used in premium baking and desserts

• Consumed raw as a luxury dry fruit snack

6. Franquette Walnuts (Imported European Variety)

Franquette walnuts are a late-harvest variety that are primarily grown in France and the USA. These walnuts are resistant to cold weather and have a hard shell with a darker kernel. They are commonly used in European baking and premium walnut oil production.

Characteristics:

• Hard, thick shell

• Slightly astringent taste with a crunchy texture

• Darker-colored kernel compared to other walnuts

Nutritional Benefits:

• Supports cardiovascular health with omega-3 fatty acids

• Rich in polyphenols, promoting better cognitive function

• High antioxidant content, reducing inflammation

Best Uses:

• Used in European pastries and desserts

• Popular for walnut oil production

• Ideal for long-term storage due to sturdy shell

7. Vina Walnuts (Imported Variety – Found in Pakistan)

Vina walnuts are a hybrid variety developed for high productivity and early harvesting. These walnuts are mostly imported from California, USA and are known for their balanced nutty flavor and smooth texture. They are high in oil content and are used in commercial food production due to their consistent quality.

Characteristics:

• Medium-sized, thin shell

• Balanced, slightly sweet taste

• High oil content, making them ideal for cooking

Nutritional Benefits:

• Rich in monounsaturated fats for heart health

• Good source of dietary fiber, aiding digestion

• Packed with plant-based protein

Best Uses:

• Used in granola and cereal mixes

• Great for making walnut flour

• Ideal for health-conscious recipes and keto diets

8. Hartley Walnuts (High-Quality California Walnuts – Imported in Pakistan)

Hartley walnuts are a premium variety grown in California, USA and imported into Pakistan. They are large, heart-shaped walnuts with a rich, slightly sweet flavor. These walnuts are highly preferred due to their high kernel-to-shell ratio and ease of cracking.

Characteristics:

• Large, heart-shaped shell

• Plump, golden kernels

• Mild, slightly sweet taste

Nutritional Benefits:

• High in healthy fats, promoting cardiovascular health

• Good source of vitamin E and magnesium

• Rich in antioxidants, protecting cells from damage

Best Uses:

• Used in bakery products and premium desserts

• Great for raw consumption due to their mild taste

• Ideal for making walnut-based spreads and pastes

9. Serr Walnuts (Thin-Shell, High-Yield Walnuts – Rarely Found in Pakistan)

Serr walnuts are another hybrid variety, mainly cultivated in California and some parts of Chile. They are highly productive, producing large nuts with smooth, thin shells that are easy to crack. While they are not commonly found in Pakistan, they can sometimes be available in imported dry fruit stores.

Characteristics:

• Medium to large-sized nuts

• Thin shell, easy to crack

• Mild and creamy texture

Nutritional Benefits:

• High in polyunsaturated fats, good for cholesterol control

• Supports brain health and cognitive function

• Good source of protein and fiber

Best Uses:

• Used in salads and yogurt bowls

• Preferred for snacking and raw consumption

• Common in nut butters and spreads

10. Pedro Walnuts (Cold-Resistant Variety – Limited Availability in Pakistan)

Pedro walnuts are a late-harvest variety mainly grown in California, USA. These walnuts are cold-resistant and have a high kernel yield, making them a preferred choice for commercial farming. They are not very common in Pakistan, but some high-end dry fruit stores might import them.

Characteristics:

• Medium-sized, slightly oval shape

• Darker shell than Chandler or Vina walnuts

• Mildly sweet, nutty flavor

Nutritional Benefits:

• Supports heart health with omega-3 fatty acids

• Rich in magnesium, which helps regulate blood pressure

• Contains vitamin B6, supporting brain function

Best Uses:

• Used in premium baking and gourmet dishes

• Popular in European walnut-based recipes

• Great for long-term storage due to thick shell

11. Tulare Walnuts (High-Yield Nut Variety – Occasionally Imported)

Tulare walnuts are one of the newest walnut varieties, known for high production rates and strong shells. These walnuts are sometimes imported into Pakistan from California, especially for commercial use. They have a slightly higher oil content than other varieties.

Characteristics:

• Medium to large-sized nuts

• Hard, thick shell

• Strong, earthy flavor

Nutritional Benefits:

• Rich in polyunsaturated fats, reducing inflammation

• Good for the nervous system due to high omega-3 content

• Boosts metabolism and digestion

Best Uses:

• Used in oil extraction for walnut oil

• Common in processed walnut products

• Consumed raw for nutritional benefits

12. Butternut Walnuts (White Walnuts – Extremely Rare in Pakistan)

Butternut walnuts, also known as White Walnuts, are one of the rarest walnut varieties. These walnuts are mainly found in North America, and their availability in Pakistan is extremely limited. They are called Butternuts due to their smooth, buttery texture and sweet taste.

Characteristics:

• Light-colored, oval shell

• Soft, creamy texture

• Sweet, mild taste

Nutritional Benefits:

• High in unsaturated fats, supporting heart health

• Good source of manganese and magnesium

• Promotes healthy skin and reduces aging signs

Best Uses:

• Used in gourmet cooking and premium baking

• Consumed raw due to their delicate flavor

• Added to desserts and nut butter recipes

Are These Walnut Types Available in Pakistan?

Most walnut types available in Pakistan include Local Desi Walnuts, English Walnuts (Imported), Kashmiri Walnuts, and Chandler Walnuts. However, other varieties like Black Walnuts, Vina, Hartley, and Serr Walnuts are also occasionally imported by high-end dry fruit sellers and online stores like NEOZA.

If you're looking for premium-quality walnuts, it's always best to choose a reliable brand like NEOZA, which ensures freshness, high oil content, and natural taste.

Walnut Availability in Pakistan – Summary Table

Conclusion

Pakistan offers a variety of walnuts, ranging from locally grown Desi walnuts to premium imported varieties like Chandler and Vina walnuts. While some types like Black, Serr, and Tulare walnuts are rare, they can still be found in high-end dry fruit markets.

If you want fresh, high-quality walnuts, always choose a trusted dry fruit brand like NEOZA, which ensures premium selection and hygienic packaging for the best taste and nutritional value.

Explore our complete Premium Walnuts Collection to find the best Akhrot varieties freshly sourced from the Himalayan regions.

If you’re wondering where to get the best quality Akhrot, check out our detailed guide on buy Akhrot online.

Want to make sure you’re getting the best? Read our tips on spot premium quality Akhrot.”

To stay updated on current market rates, see our breakdown of Akhrot price per KG in Pakistan.”

Learn the best tips on storing walnuts properly and enjoy their natural taste all year round.