Walnut Grove in Fog (© Photographer: Terrance Emerson | Agency: Dreamstime.com)

Magnificent native nuts are one of America’s great natural treats and it’s harvest time!

Gathered in the Midwest and East-Central U.S., the American Eastern Black Walnut is the premium nut selection among those with a discerning taste. Its superior, pungent flavor has elevated it to the status of the "Ultimate Nut" for taste-conscious foodies who place rigorous demands on their recipes. American Eastern Black Walnuts turn everyday dishes into exciting signature creations with a rich, robust, almost smokey taste. No other walnut can match the distinctive depth of its flavor. American Eastern Black Walnuts are low in saturated fats, have no cholesterol, and are high in polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats. It's a tough nut to beat!

The sweet flavored Native Pecan is an American nut from the Hickory family. They have a high oil content, which contributes to their rich taste and beautiful coloring. "Pecan" is a Native American word from the Algonquin language, covering "all nuts requiring a stone to crack". Wild pecans were a major food source for Native American tribes during autumn, and Native Americans are believed to have been the first to cultivate the pecan tree. The cultivation of pecan trees is one of the most sustainable forms of agriculture.

The annual U.S. nut harvest begins in October and will last until December, so there will be plenty of fresh nuts for baking, cooking, gifting, and serving at Thanksgiving and over the winter holidays. American Eastern Black Walnuts and Native Pecans are delicious heirloom foods by themselves, but when used for baking or cooking they bloom into whole new realms of flavor.

Note: Stored properly, fresh nuts can be kept in great shape for a year.

If you'd like to purchase some American Black Walnuts & Native Pecans go to: Bakers Bounty! Fancy Large Premium Black Walnuts & Native Pecan Halves

For some scrumptious recipes calling for great American nuts click on the following:

1. Missouri’s Best Black Walnut Oatmeal Cookies

2. American Black Walnut & Wild Rice Pilaf

3. Slightly Soused Apple Cobbler

4. Applesauce Cake

If you'd like to read a Washington Post article on the topic go to: It's Crunch Time for Nuts