Black walnut powder is made from the dried and ground hulls of black walnuts. It boasts a wealth of nutrition and potent plant compounds that can benefit your health in numerous ways.
From adding flavor to recipes to making herbal remedies, black walnut powder is a versatile ingredient that is easy to incorporate into your lifestyle.
What is Black Walnut Powder?
Black walnut powder comes from the black walnut tree, scientifically known as Juglans nigra. The black walnut tree is native to North America and produces a nut encased in a hard shell surrounded by a green hull.
The hull contains high levels of antioxidants, including flavonoids like quercetin and tannins like ellagitannins. It also contains an array of vitamins and minerals.
To make black walnut powder, the green hulls are collected when ripe, dried, and ground into a fine powder.
The powder has become popular for its medicinal properties and bold, earthy flavor. Let's look closer at why black walnut powder has earned superfood status.
Nutrition Profile of Black Walnut Powder
Black walnut powder is low in calories but packs a nutritious punch.
Some of the key nutrients found in just one tablespoon (8 grams) of black walnut powder include:
- Protein: 1 gram
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Iron: 2% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Magnesium: 3% of the DV
- Phosphorus: 2% of the DV
It also contains smaller amounts of zinc, copper, manganese, and B vitamins.
Additionally, black walnut powder is bursting with beneficial plant compounds like flavonoids, polyphenols, and omega-3 fatty acids.
These antioxidants confer anti-inflammatory, anticancer, cardioprotective, and neuroprotective benefits.
With its stellar nutritional profile, it's easy to see why black walnut powder is considered a superfood.
10 Evidence-Based Uses for Black Walnut Powder
Thanks to its robust nutrient makeup, black walnut powder has become popular for its medicinal properties and as an ingredient in recipes.
Here are 10 science-backed ways to use versatile black walnut powder:
1. Adds Nutrition to Recipes
One of the simplest ways to use black walnut powder is to incorporate it into your everyday cooking.
Use it as you would regular walnut powder by sprinkling some into oatmeal, smoothies, yogurt, baking recipes, and more.
Black walnut powder has become popular among athletes and health enthusiasts thanks to its high protein and antioxidant content.
It has an earthy, nutty flavor that enhances both sweet and savory dishes. The powder blends seamlessly into batters, doughs, and sauces.
When baking with black walnut powder, use about 1 tablespoon per 2 cups of flour. For smoothies, stir in 1–2 teaspoons. Get creative and try adding it to meat rubs, stuffed mushrooms, chili, and energy bites.
Adding just 1–2 tablespoons of black walnut powder per day is an easy way to amplify the nutrition of your meals and snacks.
2. Makes Herbal Remedies
One of the most popular uses of black walnut powder is as an ingredient in herbal remedies, thanks to its high concentration of tannins.
Tannins have natural antifungal, antibacterial, antiparasitic, and anti-inflammatory effects.
Black walnut powder is commonly found in herbal blends used to treat intestinal parasites, athlete's foot, acne, psoriasis, and other skin conditions.
It's also used as a throat gargle to treat sore throats and mouth sores. Mix it with a bit of water to make a throat-soothing paste.
To benefit from the antimicrobial properties of black walnut powder at home, try making this antifungal salve:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup coconut oil
- 1⁄4 cup black walnut powder
- 2 tablespoons beeswax pellets
- 5 drops tea tree essential oil
Instructions:
- In a double boiler, melt coconut oil and beeswax together over medium heat.
- Once melted, remove from heat and stir in black walnut powder and tea tree oil.
- Pour into small jars and let cool completely before sealing lids.
Apply to areas of fungal or bacterial skin infections 2–3 times per day. The salve can also be used as a natural deodorant.
3. Improves Heart Health
Eating black walnuts may support heart health in several ways.
Black walnuts are a natural source of omega-3 fatty acids, which benefit heart health by decreasing inflammation, triglycerides, blood pressure, and other heart disease risk factors.
The tannins in black walnuts can lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, while the antioxidant ellagic acid helps prevent plaque buildup in arteries.
One study gave participants either black walnuts or English walnuts to eat daily for 30 days. Both groups experienced improvements in cardiovascular risk factors, indicating the heart-healthy potential of black walnuts.
Incorporating black walnut powder into your diet provides antioxidants and healthy fats that support heart health.
4. Acts as a Natural Dye
The hulls of black walnuts have been used as an organic dye for centuries. They contain a high concentration of tannins that act as a natural dark brown dye.
To make your own black walnut dye, simply boil black walnut powder in water for 30–60 minutes. Allow the liquid to cool, then strain.
You can use black walnut dye on wood, fabric, paper, and more. It's commonly used to dye wool, linen, and clothing.
If dyeing fabric, add the dyed fabric to a vinegar bath after dyeing to help set the color.
For wood, brush the black walnut dye directly onto the surface and allow it to soak in. It creates a rich brown stain perfect for achieving a rustic, antique look.
5. Makes an Herbal Hair Rinse
In addition to fabric dye, black walnut powder can be whipped up into a conditioning hair rinse.
The tannins help enhance hair color over time and may discourage lice and dandruff.
To use it as a hair rinse:
- Brew black walnut powder into a strong tea, strain, and allow to cool.
- After shampooing, pour the rinse through your hair and allow it to sit for 5–10 minutes before rinsing out.
- Use weekly for subtly richer color and shine.
You can also combine black walnut powder with herbs like sage, rosemary, and chamomile in your rinse for added benefits.
6. Creates Natural Ink
Before synthetic inks, black walnut husks were used to create a natural dark brown ink.
The tannins in black walnuts make the powder perfect for homemade ink.
To make it:
- Simmer 1⁄4 cup black walnut powder in 2 cups water for 30 minutes
- Let cool completely, then strain through a cheesecloth
You can use black walnut ink with quill pens, fountain pens, paintbrushes, and for textile printing.
For thicker ink suitable for stamping and calligraphy, simmer the powder in less water and add a few teaspoons of gum arabic as a binder.
This project is a fun way to make natural art supplies using black walnut powder.
7. Makes a Natural Wood Stain
Black walnut powder can also be transformed into an organic wood stain.
It imparts a gorgeous, rich brown color to wood. Black walnut wood stain brings out the natural variations and grain of wood pieces.
Mix black walnut powder with water to form a thick paste. Apply it to bare wood using a rag or paintbrush.
Let it soak in for 5–10 minutes before wiping off any excess. Apply a second coat if you want a darker shade.
Once dry, apply a polyurethane sealant to protect the wood.
8. Adds Flavor to Drinks
For an antioxidant and nutrient boost, add black walnut powder to your morning coffee, tea, protein shakes, or smoothies.
It has an earthy, nutty flavor that complements both sweet and savory drinks.
Try these delicious drink ideas with black walnut powder:
- Golden milk: Whisk 1 teaspoon into heated milk with turmeric and honey.
- Overnight oats: Mix 1 tablespoon into oats along with chia seeds, cinnamon, and maple syrup.
- Hot tea: Stir 1⁄2 teaspoon into chamomile or black tea.
- Iced coffee: Add 1⁄2 teaspoon to chilled coffee with your favorite milk and sweetener.
Sneaking it into your favorite drinks is an effortless way to get more nutrition into your daily routine.
9. Provides Natural Iodine
Iodine is an essential mineral, but iodine deficiency is common globally. Getting enough iodine is crucial for proper thyroid function, metabolism, growth, and development.
While iodized salt can provide iodine, an overreliance on salt is unhealthy. Plus, people following low-sodium diets require other iodine sources.
Black walnut powder is one of the only land-based sources of iodine. This makes it valuable for those avoiding processed iodized salt.
Using black walnut powder regularly in cooking and tea may help provide iodine in a natural, unprocessed form.
However, the exact iodine content depends on the soil in which the tree grows. There is still more research needed on black walnuts as a reliable iodine source.
10. Detoxifies the Body
Some proponents claim that black walnut powder may help remove toxins from the body and improve overall health.
However, there is little evidence that black walnut powder specifically helps eliminate heavy metals or other toxins from the body.
That said, the antioxidants in black walnut powder reduce oxidative stress caused by free radicals, which in turn promotes overall health.
More studies are needed to determine if black walnut powder assists the body's natural detoxification processes and eliminates toxins.
How to Add More Black Walnut Powder to Your Diet
Black walnut powder is easy to add to your daily routine. Here are simple tips for using more of this nutritious superfood:
- Use it in place of regular walnuts or almond flour in recipes for a nutrition boost.
- Whisk some into coffee, smoothies, yogurt, oatmeal, and dressings.
- Make homemade remedies like salves, hair rinses, wood stains, and ink.
- Look for it in the bulk section of health food stores. You can typically find organic, raw black walnut powder.
- Add 1–2 tablespoons daily to your meals, drinks, and snacks.
- Pair it with bold flavors like cinnamon, cocoa, nutmeg, ginger, and citrus.
- Purchase black walnut powder capsules if you don't enjoy the strong taste.
Experiment with black walnut powder to discover your favorite ways to use this incredible superfood!
Key Takeaway: Black walnut powder's versatility makes it easy to use in cooking, herbal remedies, household products, and beverages for an antioxidant and nutrition boost.
Is Black Walnut Powder Safe?
When consumed in normal food amounts, black walnut powder is generally safe. However, there are some precautions to keep in mind.
- People with tree nut allergies should avoid black walnut products.
- Pregnant women should consult their healthcare provider before using black walnut powder supplements.
- Black walnut hulls contain tannins that may interact with certain medications. Check with your doctor about potential interactions.
- Buy black walnut powder from reputable manufacturers that test for purity and safety.
- Store black walnut powder in an airtight container in a cool, dry place away from light.
Always talk to your healthcare provider before taking black walnut powder supplements if you have any medical conditions or take medications.
Ready to Try Black Walnut Powder?
Thanks to an impressive nutrient lineup and antioxidant-packed plant compounds, black walnut powder boasts some fantastic benefits for health.
It adds great nutrition and robust flavor to everyday meals while also creating household and beauty products with its natural dye, ink, and stain capabilities.
Incorporating just 1–2 tablespoons per day can amplify your intake of protein, healthy fats, and disease-fighting antioxidants.
Be sure to purchase high quality powder from trusted brands. Look for organic and non-GMO options whenever possible.
From sweet baked goods to savory dinner sides to nutritious beverages, black walnut powder is a handy and healthy addition to your routine.
So don't let those beautiful black walnuts go to waste this fall. Collect the hulls and try making your own superfood powder to utilize all year long.
FAQs
How do you make black walnut powder at home?
Making black walnut powder at home is simple:
- Collect fresh green black walnut hulls.
- Dry the hulls either in a dehydrator or low oven until completely dry.
- Process the brittle dried hulls in a food processor, blender, or coffee grinder into a fine powder.
- Store the powder in an airtight container out of sunlight.
What does black walnut powder taste like?
Black walnut powder has an earthy, bold nutty flavor. It is more pungent and richer tasting than regular walnut powder. Think of a forest floor mixed with walnuts.
Can you eat black walnut powder raw?
Yes, black walnut powder can be eaten raw. It is sometimes consumed as a supplement on its own. However, it has a very strong, bitter taste when raw. Most people prefer to use it cooked into recipes or drinks.
Is black walnut powder good for skin?
Thanks to its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, black walnut powder may benefit skin health. It’s sometimes used topically to treat skin conditions like acne, eczema, and fungal infections. You can mix it with coconut oil or aloe vera gel and apply it as a face or body mask.
Can you be allergic to black walnuts?
Yes, black walnuts can cause allergic reactions in people with tree nut allergies. Black walnuts are in the tree nut family. If you have an allergy to walnuts or other tree nuts, avoid consuming black walnuts.
Conclusion
With its great nutritional profile and concentration of potent plant compounds, black walnut powder is worthy of its superfood status.
It can easily be incorporated into your diet and lifestyle through foods, beverages, DIY projects, and herbal remedies.
Just a tablespoon or two per day provides protein, healthy fats, fiber, and antioxidants that benefit your overall health.
From its medicinal properties to its bold, earthy flavor, black walnut powder is a versatile and nutritious ingredient to keep stocked in your pantry.