A Guide to Nuts

Black walnuts are native to our region. The nutmeat's distinct, robust flavor especially enhances mild-flavored foods, including ice cream. Almost every variety of black walnut has a different flavor.

Barb and Dwight Ittner, who live in southwest Missouri near Noel, grow walnuts so large, the pieces need to be chopped to use in cereal, applesauce, main dishes "and desserts, if Dwight gets any," Barb says.

You'll know if a husked walnut is edible when you wash it in a tub. "The good ones sink; the light ones float," Barb says. Discard any walnuts that float.

Another tip: "They should be kept refrigerated or frozen, like all your nuts, so they don't get rancid," Barb says.