How to banish bitterness: Enhancing the taste of walnuts
Walnuts are a popular ingredient in many festive dishes. Their crunchy texture and intense flavour add character to both sweet and savoury meals. However, sometimes we encounter bitter walnuts that can spoil the entire taste of a dish. Why does this happen, and how can it be remedied?
Walnuts are an indispensable ingredient in many holiday dishes—from kutia and cakes to aromatic pâtés. Unfortunately, their bitter aftertaste can spoil even the most well-prepared dish. Can this be prevented? It turns out it can, using a few simple methods. These methods will help you eliminate the bitterness, enhancing your dishes with a deeper and more distinctive taste.
Why are walnuts sometimes bitter?
The main culprit is the walnut's skin, which contains tannins—substances responsible for the bitter taste. Their amount can vary depending on the walnut variety and growing conditions. Additionally, improper storage of walnuts in overly warm or humid places can lead to rancid fats, which also affect their taste.
How to get rid of bitterness from walnuts?
Fortunately, there are a few simple methods that will allow you to enjoy the full taste of walnuts without the unpleasant bitterness.
- Scalding with boiling water: This is the quickest and simplest method. Just pour boiling water over the walnuts for a few minutes, then drain. Repeat this process several times to remove as many tannins as possible.
- Cooking in milk: If you want to give the walnuts a milder, creamier taste, cook them in milk. Milk neutralises the tannins and makes the walnuts ideal for desserts, like poppy seed cake or kutia.
- Toasting or roasting: During toasting or roasting, some of the bitterness is released along with the steam. Additionally, the walnuts acquire a pleasant, slightly caramelised aroma. You can toast them in an oven or on a dry pan.
Which method is best?
The choice of method depends on how you intend to use the walnuts. If you want to quickly remove the bitterness, scalding with boiling water is the best solution. On the other hand, if you want to achieve a more pronounced taste and crunchy texture, choose toasting or roasting. Cooking in milk works excellently for desserts.
Bitter walnuts are a problem that is easily solved. Just use one of the methods described above to enjoy their full flavour. Remember that fresh, well-stored walnuts are the least likely to become bitter.
Walnuts are not only tasty but also very healthy. They contain many valuable nutrients, such as unsaturated fatty acids, B vitamins, and minerals. Regular consumption of walnuts can positively impact heart health, the nervous system, and immunity.
