Chemical analysis[edit]Compared to certain other nuts, such as almonds, peanuts

and hazelnuts, walnuts (particularly in their raw form) contain the highest spec
trum of antioxidants, including free antioxidants and antioxidants bound to fibe
r.[19]
Walnut hulls contain phenolics that stain hands and can cause skin irritation. S
even phenolic compounds (ferulic acid, vanillic acid, coumaric acid, syringic ac
id, myricetin, juglone[28] and regiolone[29]) have been identified in walnut hus
ks by using reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography or crystallogra
phy.
Walnuts also contain the ellagitannin pedunculagin.[30]
(-)-Regiolone has been isolated with juglone, betulinic acid and sitosterol from
the stem-bark of J. regia.[31]
Uses in Chinese culture[edit]In China, pairs of walnuts have traditionally been
rotated and played with in the palm of the hand, both as a means to stimulate bl
ood circulation and as a status symbol. Pairs of large, old and symmetrically sh
aped walnuts are valued highly and have recently been used as an investment, wit
h some of them fetching tens of thousands of dollars.[32] Pairs of walnuts are s
ometimes sold in their green husks for a form of gambling known as du he tao.[33
]
Cultivars[edit]Ashley
Chandler
Franquette
Germisara
Hansen
Hartley
Howard
Jupanesti
Lara
Marbot
Mayette
Mellanaise
Parisienne
Payne
Rita
Serr
Tulare
Valcor
Vina