Southern China, Yunnan

Yunnan Yunnan Walnut / Sigillata

Juglans sigillata

Juglans sigillata (iron walnut), native to southern China’s Yunnan region. It grows at high altitude, has a very high oil content, a distinctive intense aroma and a thin, smooth shell.

Kernel ratio: 51–55 %
Shell thickness: ≈ 1.5–2.2 mm (thin-shell selections available)
Nuts per kg: ≈ 73–83 nuts
Moisture: Max. 5 %

Overview

Yunnan about

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 south-west China at 1,300–3,300 m, especially around Dali, and also occurs in Guizhou, western Sichuan and the Yarlung Tsangpo valley in Tibet. Yangbi and Santai are well-known local cultivars.

Its most distinctive features are its high oil content and intense, characteristic aroma, which make it ideal for walnut oil, paste, confectionery and bakery products where flavour leads.

Commercial lots favour thin (paper-type) shell selections; the kernel ratio is 51–55 % and the kernels are light. Typically oval with small pits in the shell, it is slightly smaller 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.

Characteristics

Oil content Very high
Aroma intensity Very high
Kernel ratio 51–55 %
Early harvest Late August

Yunnan in-shell walnuts — Yunnan in-shell 28 mm+, 30 mm+, 32 mm+

Yunnan walnut kernels — Yunnan kernels Light (white) – light amber

High oil

High yield for oil and paste production.

Intense aroma

A distinctive, pronounced and lasting flavour profile.

Mountain-grown

From Yunnan orchards at 1,300–3,300 m (Yangbi, Santai).

Early season

Harvest starts in late August; early entry into the season.

Technical specifications

Product specification

Kernel ratio	51–55 %
Shell thickness	≈ 1.5–2.2 mm (thin-shell selections available)
Nuts per kg	≈ 73–83 nuts
Moisture	Max. 5 %
Size	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 in the shell
Taste	Mildly astringent, aromatic
Cracking	Easy – medium
Species	Juglans sigillata
Origin	Southern China, Yunnan

Values are typical ranges based on season averages and may vary with harvest year and orchard. An analysis report and certificates are shared with every shipment.

40HQ container22 t

20ft container9.5 t

ShippingFCL & LCL

Quality control

Moisture measurement (target ≤ 5–6 % in-shell, ≤ 5 % kernels)
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. Because of the high oil content, cold storage (0–5 °C) and vacuum packaging are recommended for kernels.

Uses & forms