Should I dig out the navel of a walnut

The navel of walnuts generally does not need to be removed and can be consumed together with the flesh. Walnut navel is a thin film on the surface of walnut kernels, containing certain nutrients, but the taste may be slightly bitter.

Walnut navel is a brown thin film on the surface of walnut kernels, rich in polyphenols and dietary fiber, and has antioxidant properties. Although this film has a slightly bitter taste, it does not pose any harm to the human body and can instead increase the intake of dietary fiber. For those who pursue comprehensive nutrition, preserving walnut navel is more conducive to obtaining complete nutrition. Some varieties of walnuts have thinner navel and less obvious bitterness, so direct consumption does not affect the taste. In rare cases, walnut navel may become moldy or contaminated with impurities due to improper storage, and it needs to be removed. People who are sensitive to mouth sensitivity, especially children, can gently peel off the walnut navel to reduce bitterness. The bitterness of walnut navel mainly comes from tannic acid, which binds with salivary proteins to produce a astringent sensation, but is harmless to health. When removing the walnut navel, be careful not to damage the walnut kernels. You can gently peel them off along the gaps with your nails.

When consuming walnuts in daily life, it is recommended to choose high-quality walnuts with intact shells and no mold spots. Before consumption, gently tap the shell to remove the kernels. Walnuts are rich in unsaturated fatty acids and vitamin E, but the daily intake should be controlled at around 20 grams to avoid gastrointestinal discomfort caused by excessive consumption. When storing walnuts, they should be placed in a cool and dry place to prevent moisture and spoilage. If walnut kernels turn black in color or have a strange odor, they should be immediately stopped from consumption.