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© C.I.N.G.

Walnuts for all seasons

We love them in our kitchens. They add flavour to our finest recipes. They create stunning pale green groves across the landscapes of Vercors Saint-Marcellin Isère each spring. They inspire the tradition of mondées* that brings communities together every autumn. Above all, we celebrate them for their unique, refined and delicate taste.

Mondées are community gatherings where families and neighbours come together to shell the freshly harvested walnuts, often accompanied by local food and conversation.

The adventure of the Grenoble walnut began in the 11th century.

Since then, its cultivation has helped shape the landscape along the banks of the Isère river.

A historic AOC

Thursday, 26 September marked the official launch of the 2024 Grenoble walnut harvest. As the first fruit in the world to receive an Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC) designation in 1938, the date of its harvest is officially set each year by a prefectural decree.

© Andy Bonte

3 varieties of walnuts benefit from the Grenoble walnut PDO

  • La Franquette is undoubtedly the best known. It has a rather elongated shape, and its flesh is quite pale with notes reminiscent of hazelnuts.
  • La Mayette is grown specifically for the production of Grenoble PDO walnuts. It is an old variety with rather large fruit that is truncated at the base, rounded at the top, and ends with a small point.
  • La Parisienne has a round shape and white flesh. Its shell is covered with large grooves.

Multiple uses

Originally from the East, walnuts were introduced to Europe by the Romans.

In the 11th century, walnuts provided the oil needed for family meals. Walnut wine, cakes – the famous walnut cake – and bread were made with walnuts.

But they were also used in the preparation of medicines, the production of dyes and for lighting.

© Pascale Cholette

Small fruit, big benefits

The walnut, hidden beneath its small shell, is a real treasure trove of health benefits and can be enjoyed all year round! Its nutritional virtues were already being touted by doctors in ancient times.

Rich in fibre, vitamins, minerals (copper, manganese) and omega-3, it is also a source of plant protein. In particular, it helps reduce bad cholesterol, protects against cardiovascular disease, and contains anti-radicals and antioxidants. It is a natural concentrate of benefits which, contrary to popular belief, does not cause weight gain and can even aid weight loss due to its satiating properties.
Consuming 5 to 8 nuts per day is even highly recommended. Eat nuts!

© Pascale Cholette

worth visiting

Don’t miss a visit to the Grand Séchoir in Vinay.

Beneath the impressive roof structure of a restored drying barn, the museum traces the history of the Grenoble walnut region and the people who made this world-famous fruit so renowned.

Le Grand Séchoir

Nuts… on your plate

They subtly enhance dishes and desserts and pair wonderfully with cheese, honey and chocolate. Their fruity and fragrant oil is a wonderful addition to salads. Crushed, ground or in kernels, Grenoble walnuts can be used in both traditional and creative cuisine.