Fresh Walnuts and Zurbiyet

(Taze Ceviz ve Zürbiyet)

"Winter is the nut season." Now, it is time to consume plenty of walnuts, hazelnuts, etc. They increase our mental power. It is also a pleasure when you chew them as snacks.

September is a month for fresh walnuts in our country. It was enjoyable together with the kids around the table to crack, extract and eat walnuts:) It was quite difficult to match the eating speed of the children. Just like baby birds, they were looking at our hands:)

It is not possible to find fresh walnuts here in Canada. But it is possible to catch up a close taste. Put the walnuts in a bowl, cover with water. Discard the water whenever the color of the water gets darker, then, add fresh water. Repeat it every time until the water becomes fairly clear. It is usually enough to change the water 4-5 times a day (picture). Now you have almost fresh walnuts. If you like, you can remove the inner skin. I have been doing this throughout the year. Try it, you will enjoy!

*By soaking nuts in water, you get rid of the harmful enzymes which inhibit absorption of minerals and vitamins in our body. Therefore, it is a healthy process that also increases their nutritional value.

Soaking almonds in the water is also very common in Türkiye. These almonds serve as appetizers:)

Zürbiyet
(Black Sea Region)

1 tsp butter, room temperature
1 tbsp molasses
1 tbsp honey
Walnuts, crumbled

Combine the butter, molasses and honey. Spread the mixture on slice of freshly baked Turkish Bread. Sprinkle some walnuts over the top. Serve it with freshly brewed Turkish Tea on the side:)