Yunnan Yunnan Walnut / Sigillata
Juglans sigillata
Juglans sigillata (iron walnut), a species native to southern China (Yunnan). It grows at high altitude and has a very high oil content, a distinctive rich aroma and a thin, smooth shell.
- Kernel yield
- 51–55%
- Shell thickness
- ≈ 1.5–2.2 mm (thin-shell selections also available)
- Nuts / kg
- ≈ 73–83 nuts
- Moisture
- Max. 5%
About Yunnan
Unlike the Uyghur Region varieties, the Yunnan walnut is a separate species: Juglans sigillata. It has been grown for centuries in the mountainous areas of southwest China at 1,300–3,300 m, especially around Dali, and is also found in Guizhou, western Sichuan and the Yarlung Tsangpo valley in Tibet. Yangbi and Santai are the region's best-known local varieties.
Its most distinctive features are its high oil content and rich, characteristic aroma. This makes it ideal for walnut oil, walnut butter, confectionery and bakery products where aroma takes centre stage.
Commercial lots favour thin-shelled (paper-type) selections, with a kernel yield of 51–55% and light kernel colour. The nut is typically oval with small pits on the shell and a slightly smaller caliber than the Uyghur Region varieties; the kernel is light and only mildly astringent. Harvest starts a little earlier than in the Uyghur Region, giving a supply advantage at the start of the season.
Profile
- Oil content Very high
- Aroma intensity Very high
- Kernel yield 51–55%
- Early harvest Late August
Product specifications
| Kernel yield | 51–55% |
|---|---|
| Shell thickness | ≈ 1.5–2.2 mm (thin-shell selections also available) |
| Nuts / kg | ≈ 73–83 nuts |
| Moisture | Max. 5% |
| Caliber | 28 mm+, 30 mm+, 32 mm+ |
| Kernel colour | Light (white) – light amber |
| Oil content (kernel) | 68–72% |
| Growing altitude | 1,300–3,300 m |
| Shape | Oval; small pits on the shell |
| Taste | Mildly astringent, aromatic |
| Cracking | Easy to medium |
| Species | Juglans sigillata |
| Origin | Southern China, Yunnan |
Values are typical ranges based on season averages and may vary by crop year and orchard. An analysis report and certificates are provided with every lot shipped.
Quality control
- Moisture testing (target: in-shell ≤ 5–6%, kernels ≤ 5%)
- Aflatoxin and microbiological analysis
- Size and colour grading
- Removal of empty, mouldy and broken nuts
- Traceability by lot number
- Phytosanitary certificate and certificate of origin
Storage: In-shell: up to 24 months in a cool, dry place. Due to the high oil content, cold storage (0–5 °C) and vacuum packaging are recommended for kernels.
What is it best for?
Applications
- Walnut oil
- Walnut butter and spreads
- Confectionery and halva
- Aromatic bakery products
Product forms
- In-shell
- Halves
- Pieces
- Kernels for paste
Calibers
Packaging
- 25 kg jute sack
- 25 kg PP sack
- 10 kg vacuum carton (kernels)
Harvest and shipping periods
Yunnan up close
Images on a white background or with a ruler are actual product photos; others are illustrative.
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