Black walnut (Juglans neotropica)

The Black walnut tree (Juglans neotropica) is an endangered tree species on the IUCN Red List. For decades, it has been felled relentlessly for its timber. Yet the Black walnut tree provides numerous ecosystem services and non-timber resources, such as its nut, which is used for dyeing fabrics and in cooking.

In fact, eating this black walnut is excellent for the health. It has the advantage of being composed of 57% of unsaturated fatty acids, including linoleic acid (39g/100g) and linolenic acid (8g/100g), as well as 18% protein and 11mg/100g of iron. Compared to other seeds, this nut offers significant nutritional values in terms of iron, omega 3 and 6. Promoting the consumption of this nut helps rural populations to achieve food sovereignty, as well as combating anaemia, a widespread problem in rural areas of Peru.

By fostering sustainable nut harvesting, the project provides farmers with a sustainable source of income as well as contributing to the preservation of this species. Training in harvesting and processing techniques are currently being organised, enabling participants to maximise the use of this valuable species.

The commercialisation of walnuts creates a value chain that benefits both the communities and the local ecosystem. The walnut’s nutritional value and organic origin are key to promoting this product in the market, highlighting its connection to the conservation of an endangered species and attracting the attention of buyers and commercial partners, such as gourmet restaurants, bakeries and coffee shops.

As part of the Cocoa and Coffee Agroforestry Project in the Peruvian Amazon, Envol Vert began working with rural communities to develop the economic alternative of the Black Walnut tree in Pichanaki, and continues to do so as part of the ConBosque project. 

By focusing on the black walnut tree as a valuable and sustainable resource, the project not only offers an economic alternative to deforestation, but also raises awareness of the importance of conserving this tree and its role in the ecosystem.