French eat approx 500g of walnuts per person per year - that’s 1 walnut a day, all year round
When visiting Dordogne, go to the Route de la Noix
The Perigord region is considered one of the ‘cradles of the walnut’ and have been found among the remains of Cro-Magnon dwellings here dating back 17,000 years.
• In the Middle Ages locals paid their rent and debts in walnut oil.
• Walnuts can be used for cooking, lighting lamps, wine (vin du noix) and as even as soap!
•During the 17th century export flourished to the U.K.Nowadays 25k tons are exported in Europe alone.
History of Route de la Noix
•Annual production is 38,500 tons
•Key towns on the route are Martel, Domme,Hautefort and Collonges la Rouge
•Harvest in November and last approximately one month depending on the météo.
•French eat approx 500g of walnuts per person per year - that’s 1 walnut a day, all year round
•The Périgourdines have even produced a walnut flavoured ice-cream...and we can confirm it is delicious!