'AND HE HEARS THE VOICE OF THE WALNUT TREE, REACHING OUT ITS HANDS FROM DEEP WITHIN, TOUCHING HIS CHEEKS.'
From the poem 'Mythistorema' by George Seferis, from the collection 'Tetradio C'.
THE WALNUT TREE, SCIENTIFICALLY KNOWN AS JUGLANS
REGIA, OR THE ROYAL WALNUT TREE, IS COMMONLY
REFERRED TO AS THE COMMON WALNUT TREE.
The walnut tree, officially known as Juglans, derives its name from the Royal Acorn of Zeus and traces its origins to Central Asia, particularly Armenia and Persia. Introduced to Greece from Persia, it flourished in our warm climate and adapted well to poor soils. According to Plutarch, the Greek name 'Karydia' ('karya' in ancient Greek) originated from the tree causing headaches to those who slept in the shade of its foliage.
In Greek mythology, Karya, the beautiful daughter of the king of Laconia, captured the heart of Dionysus (also called Bacchus), who, upon her passing, transformed her into a walnut tree—hence the Greek name 'Karydia'.
Long recognized for their health benefits and distinct flavor, walnuts have witnessed a global surge in demand, particularly in recent years.
Numerous studies underscore the exceptional blend of unsaturated fatty acids, phenolic acids, vitamins, and minerals found in walnuts. Regular consumption of high-quality walnuts has been linked to significant reductions in bad cholesterol, robust antioxidant properties, cardiovascular protection, prevention of coronary heart disease, anti-cancer preventive effects, and suitability for the diets of individuals with diabetes mellitus.