Difference Between Black and English Walnuts

Both the Black walnuts and English walnuts belong to the same genus, Juglans.

The Black walnut has its origins in the United States, whereas the English Walnuts, which are also called as Persian walnuts, have their origins in Persia.

When looking at the black walnut and the English walnut, the black walnut tree is mainly grown for its wood and also the nutmeat. The nutmeat is widely used for flavourings and extracts. On the other hand, English walnuts are more used as a nut as they are more edible.

Now comparing the shell, the English walnut has a soft and thin shell, which means that it is easy to break it. On the other hand, the black walnut has a thick shell. Unlike the English walnuts, the black walnuts have a green coloured shell. The black walnuts also come with a strong smell when compared to English walnuts, that have a good flavour. It is this good flavour that has made English walnuts popular for its use in baked foods and ice cream.

While the meat can be easily taken out from the shell of an English walnut, it is hard to take the meat from a black walnut shell. This is because the black walnut shell grows into the meat.

Both the black walnuts and English walnuts have similar nutritional content. However, the black nuts are known to have more protein and fat content when compared to other walnuts. Both the black and the English walnuts are rich in omega 3 fatty acids and Alpha Linolenic Acid.

Now, let us look at the English and black walnut trees. The English walnut tree has a smooth and soft bark where as the black walnut tree has a bark that is grooved.

Summary:

1. Black walnuts are native to the US whereas the English Walnuts, which are also called as Persian walnuts, have their origins in Persia.
2. Black walnut tree is mainly grown for its wood and also the nutmeat. On the other hand, English walnuts are more used as a nut as they are more edible.
3. The English walnut has a soft and thin shell, which means that it is easy to break it. On the other hand, the black walnut has a thick shell.