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What is Walnut Butter?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Walnut butter is a spread made from ground walnuts. Depending on the preparation method used, walnut butter can be smooth and creamy, or chunky, and it is rich in all of the nutrients common to walnuts, including copper, essential fatty acids, and manganese. There are a variety of ways to use walnut butter, depending on personal taste. Many health food stores carry this nut butter, and it can also be found in some major markets. For people with strong blenders, walnut butter can be made at home.

Like other nut butters, walnut butter is made by grinding walnuts, causing them to release their oil and slowly blend into a very thick paste. In some cases, additional oil may be added to lubricate the walnuts as they are ground, especially if the grinder is a bit weak, to ensure that the motor of the grinder does not become strained. After grinding, the paste has a creamy texture, explaining the “butter” in the name.

Walnut butter.
Walnut butter.

Walnut butter is a perishable food. The grinding exposes the oils to oxidation, increasing the rate at which the nuts will go rancid. As a general rule, homemade walnut butter should be stored under refrigeration, and used within a few months. Sealed walnut butter from the store can be kept at room temperature, but once the seal is broken, it needs to go into the fridge. If walnut butter smells or tastes peculiar, it is a sign that it has gone bad, and it should be discarded.

Walnuts can be ground into nut butter.
Walnuts can be ground into nut butter.

A common problem with nut butters is separation, in which the solids settle to the bottom, and the fat rises to the top. One way to solve this problem is to simply invert the jar for storage, and to turn the jar right side up an hour or so before use, allowing the ingredients to mix as the oil tries to float to the top. The walnut butter can also be stirred with a knife or spoon to reintegrate the ingredients.

Walnuts are rich in alpha-linolenic acid.
Walnuts are rich in alpha-linolenic acid.

Walnut butter can be used in the same way cooks would use peanut and other nut butters. It can be spread on sandwiches and crackers, mixed into cookie doughs, used as a layer in nut cakes, and included in various rich sauces. Walnut butter can be slightly bitter, depending on the walnuts used to make it, and it tends to be extremely rich, more so than peanut butter, which is something to keep in mind.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a DelightedCooking researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a DelightedCooking researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon73832

Substitute agave nectar for raw honey - better for blood sugar and lots of other things.

ivanka

It is good to add a little sugar or honey to the walnut butter, it turns it into a great spread for crepes or walnut cake.

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    • Walnut butter.
      By: Sander
      Walnut butter.
    • Walnuts can be ground into nut butter.
      By: dinostock
      Walnuts can be ground into nut butter.
    • Walnuts are rich in alpha-linolenic acid.
      By: Nenov Brothers
      Walnuts are rich in alpha-linolenic acid.