France: PDO walnut oil from Périgord, yellow gold from the South-West

Recognizable by its golden or amber color, Périgord walnut oil offers delicate aromas between vegetal notes and aroma of fresh walnuts. It obtained a Controlled Designation of Origin (AOC) in 2019 and then a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) in 2021. Discovery of its production. A virgin oil, first pressing, obtained only by mechanical process and made exclusively from quality walnut kernels: these are the characteristics of PDO walnut oil from Périgord. It all starts with the selection of walnut kernels. Producers use walnut kernels from traditional and local varieties: Marbot, Corne, Grandjean and Franquette. After the dry walnuts are harvested, the walnut kernels are crushed into a delicate paste. The preparation is heated slowly. The secret would lie in the miller's skill in maintaining a gentle and even heat, essential to maintain the nutritional quality of the nuts. The heated dough is then pressed to obtain walnut oil. The delicate aromas and its persistence in the ...