Yangquan Walnuts

Yangquan Walnuts

　　Yangquan walnuts, also known as hu tao (Chinese for walnut), are internationally recognized as one of the world’s four major dried fruits, alongside almonds, cashews, and hazelnuts. They are abundantly produced across various towns and villages in Yangquan County. Renowned throughout Shanxi Province for their large size, thin shells, plump kernels that are easy to extract, and deliciously crisp taste, the main varieties include soft-shell walnuts. The kernels are light yellow in color, with an oil content of over 70%, and the annual production reaches 1.145 million jin (approximately 572.5 metric tons). The product not only meets local demand for consumption and processing but is also exported to regions and countries such as Hong Kong, Canada, North Korea, Japan, and India, with an annual export volume of 70,000 kg.

　　In 1994, the soft-shell walnuts produced in Daxili Village, Shangshe Town, Yangquan County, were exhibited at the National Agricultural Expo and won a silver award.

　　Walnuts are one of the main specialty products of Yangquan, with an annual output of approximately 1.6 million kg. Yangquan walnuts are known for their attractive shape, large size, thin shells, easy kernel extraction, and high kernel yield. The kernels are light yellow and have an oil content of around 70%. They serve not only as premium raw material for high-end edible oils but also as high-quality ingredients for paints, soaps, and chemical inks. The walnut kernels can be eaten raw or used as an ingredient in pastries, candies, and other foods. Medicinally, they are considered a valuable tonic, known to nourish the brain, invigorate qi, enrich blood, resolve phlegm, warm the lungs, and lubricate the intestines. The product is mainly sold to Western European and Southeast Asian countries.