* More than 50,000 tons per year * 10,000 to 50,000 tons per year * Less than 10,000 tons per year * More than 99% of walnuts grown in the United States come from California 141,640 bearing hectares of walnut orchards. * The Central Valley of California is the states prime walnut growing region, with the mild climate and deep fertile soils that provide ideal growing conditions. * There are more than 4,800 California walnut growers, and most farms are owned and operated by families who have been in the walnut business for several generations. * Walnut production takes commitment and patience, and our farmers are passionate about growing and harvesting highquality walnuts. REASONS * YOU SHOULD ADD CALIFORNIA WALNUTS IN YOUR DIET Walnuts are the only nut, and one of few foods, to provide an excellent source of the plant-based omega-3 ALA (one ounce contains 2.5 grams of ALA). Walnuts are loaded with omega -3s, which make them the brain food 2. California Walnuts are a delicious and easy way to help promote heart health. California Walnuts are certified through the American Heart Association's Heart-Check program as a hearthealthy food, making them an ideal choice in a heart-healthy diet. Walnuts are a heart-healthy food with more than 25 years of research showing how they may have beneficial effects on various factors related to heart health such as LDL (bad) and HDL (good) cholesterol, blood pressure, inflammation, and plaque formation. 3. Higher walnut consumption is associated with lower risk of type 2 diabetes. Individuals with diabetes or metabolic syndrome often have conditions such as high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol, high triglycerides and obesity, which put them at risk for heart disease and stroke. Walnuts should be included as a cancer-preventative choice in a healthy diet. Walnuts contain a range of nutrients that may help reduce inflammation and lower the risk of cancer, heart disease, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and obesity, when included in a plant-based diet. 5. The effects of aging can impact quality of life and the ability to maintain independence. People of all ages can benefit from taking steps to maintain overall health throughout the aging process. Walnuts protect against the detrimental effects of aging. 6. California Walnuts can be an important food for weight management. Not only are walnuts tasty, but they can also be satisfying. Including walnuts in the diet may increase sense of fullness,
