walnut colors
California walnuts may be color sorted to meet specific product needs. The walnut spectrum chart (for comparison only) illustrates the wide range of color classifications available.
Extra Light : No more than 15% shall be darker than extra light. And only 2% of the 15% may be darker than light.
Light : No more than 15% shall be darker than light. And only 2% of the 15% may be darker than light amber.
Light Amber : No more than 15% shall be darker than light amber. And only 2% of the 15% may be darker than amber.
Amber :No more than 10% shall be darker than amber.
Extra Light : No more than 15% shall be darker than extra light. And only 2% of the 15% may be darker than light.
Light : No more than 15% shall be darker than light. And only 2% of the 15% may be darker than light amber.
Light Amber : No more than 15% shall be darker than light amber. And only 2% of the 15% may be darker than amber.
Amber :No more than 10% shall be darker than amber.
WALNUT SIZES
California shelled walnuts are available in a variety of sizes and colors. Descriptions and size tolerances are based on the USDA Standards for Grades of Shelled Walnuts.
HALVES
Description: Lot consists of 85% or more (by weight) of halfkernels, withthe remainder three-fourthsof a half kernel.USDA Size Tolerances : No more than 5% can be smaller than three-fourths of a half kernel. No more than 1% of the 5% may pass through a 16⁄64 inch (6.35 mm) screen. See Table 3 and refer to Example 1
PIECES AND HALVES
Description: Lot consists of 20% or more (by weight) of half kernels.USDA Size Tolerances No more than 18% shall pass througha 24⁄64 inch (9.53 mm) screen. No morethan 3% of the 18% may pass through a 16⁄64 inch (6.35 mm) screen. And no more than 1% of the 3% pass maythrough an 8⁄64 inch (3.18mm) screen. See Table 3 and refer to Examples 2 and 3
PIECES
Description: Lot consists of kernel portions thatcannot passthrough a 24⁄64 inch (9.53mm) screen.USDA Size Tolerances No more than 25% shall pass through a 24⁄64 inch (9.53 mm) screen.No more than 5% of the 25% may pass througha 16⁄64 inch (6.35 mm) screen. No more than 1% of the 5% maypass through a 8⁄64 inch (3.18 mm) screen. See Table 3 and refer to Examples 4, 5, 6 and 7
MEDIUM PIECES
Description: Although notcovered inUSDA Standards, Medium Pieces are acommon sizeclassification used in theCalifornia walnut industry. No lessthan 98% may pass through a 32⁄64 inch (12.7 mm) screen. No more than3% of that 98% may pass througha 16⁄64inch (6.35 mm) screen.And no more than 1% of the 3%may pass through 8⁄64(3.18 mm) screen. Refer to Examples8 and 9
SMALL PIECES
Description: Lot consists of kernel portions that pass through a 24⁄64inch (9.53mm) screen,USDA Size Tolerances but cannot pass through a 8⁄64 inch (3.18mm) screen. No more than 10% will not pass througha 24⁄64 inch (9.53 mm) screen.No more than 2% pass of the 10% may pass through a 8⁄64 inch (3.18 mm) screen. See Table 3 and referto Example 11, 12, and 14
MEAL/DOUBLE DICED
The smallest form ofthe California walnut (Double Diced), comes in variousconsistencies ranging froma coarse meal to afine powder. Walnut meal is used to dust cakes, integrate into dough and batter, and for walnut compounds. Finely ground walnuts canbe incorporated into pastas, added tofillings, and used as a thickening agent in sauces.Refer to Example15
California Walnut
Welcome to the Farmer League
California walnuts are more than just a nutritious and delicious nut—they’re the result of generations of dedication, innovation, and sustainable farming. As a key player in the global walnut industry, California farmers take pride in growing premium-quality walnuts using environmentally responsible practices. From orchard to table, every walnut is cultivated with care, ensuring rich flavor, high nutritional value, and versatility for consumers worldwide. By joining the Farmer League, you become part of a tradition that values quality, sustainability, and community. Whether you're a grower, supplier, or enthusiast, together, we shape the future of California walnuts—one harvest at a time.
California Walnut Board & California Walnut Commission
101 Parkshore Drive, Suite 250, Folsom, CA 95630 Telephone (916) 932-7070 • Fax (916) 932-7071www.walnuts.org | Email info@walnuts.org
Non-Discrimination Statement
In accordance with USDA, the California Walnut Board and California Walnut Commission prohibit discrimination in all programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program.
To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights,
1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or(202) 720-6382 (TDD).California Walnut Board and California Walnut Commission are equal opportunity employersand providers.
