Walnut Buying Guide – How to Choose the Right Akhrot

Walnuts (Akhrot) are available in multiple origins, cuts and grades. Choosing the right type depends on how you plan to use them — for snacking, gifting, cooking or baking. This guide will help you understand the differences and select the best walnut for your needs.

1. Chile Walnuts vs Kashmir Walnuts

The two most popular walnut origins are Chile and Kashmir. Each has its own characteristics.

• Chile Walnuts: Lighter colour, milder flavour, cleaner appearance and higher uniformity. Ideal for modern kitchens, baking, gifting and premium presentation.
• Kashmir Walnuts: Rich, bold and traditional flavour preferred in Indian households. Slightly darker kernels with a robust taste.

Tip: Choose Chile walnuts for appearance and consistency. Choose Kashmir walnuts for traditional taste.

2. In-Shell vs Shelled Walnuts

• In-Shell Walnuts: Have a longer shelf life as the shell protects the kernel. Best for storage, traditional use and cracking fresh.
• Shelled Walnuts: Ready to use and convenient. Ideal for quick snacking, cooking and baking.

Tip: If freshness over time matters, choose in-shell walnuts. If convenience matters, choose shelled walnuts.

3. Understanding Walnut Cuts

Shelled walnuts are further classified based on how intact the kernel is.

• Halves: Large, intact pieces. Best for snacking, gifting and premium presentation.
• Quarters: Medium-sized pieces. Ideal for cooking, baking and daily use.
• Pieces: Smaller fragments. Best value option for baking, cooking and bulk use.

Tip: Appearance matters most for gifting — choose halves. For recipes, quarters or pieces offer better value.

4. Premium vs Select Grade – What’s the Difference?

• Premium Grade: Larger size, better uniformity, cleaner appearance and minimal breakage. Ideal for gifting and premium consumption.
• Select Grade: Slightly smaller size with the same natural taste. Best for everyday use at a better price point.

Important: Grade refers to size and appearance, not freshness or safety. All grades offered by House of Rasda are quality-checked.

5. Which Walnuts Should You Choose?

6. Storage Tips for Walnuts

• Store walnuts in a cool, dry place away from sunlight.
• Refrigerate shelled walnuts after opening for longer freshness.
• Keep walnuts in airtight containers to prevent moisture absorption.
• Crack in-shell walnuts only when needed.

Why Buy Walnuts from House of Rasda

• Multiple origins: Chile & Kashmir
• Clear grading: Premium & Select
• Wide cuts: In-shell, halves, quarters & pieces
• Fresh batches with quality checks
• Trusted dry fruit specialist

Explore our walnut collection and choose the option that best suits your taste, usage and budget.