3 trail snack ideas using heart-healthy California Walnuts

When you’re on the go, you need to pack light – and that includes snacks. Here are some healthy nut-based recipe ideas to make your own.

This is an advertising promotion in partnership with our friends at California Walnuts.

California Walnuts are a little nut that offers a lot – making them a great snack choice on the hills. Despite their size, walnuts are the only tree nut full of omega-3 ALA*, a healthy (unsaturated) fat found in plant foods such as walnuts which helps look after heart health and brain health as part of a varied balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.

The heart-healthy nut

Omega-3 ALA cannot be made in the body, so food becomes a great natural source of this kind of fatty acid. It helps maintain normal blood cholesterol levels, which is crucial for your well-being as raised blood cholesterol levels are a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks and strokes. A handful of walnuts a day (around 30g) can have a positive effect on the elasticity of the blood vessels helping to look after your cardiovascular system as part of a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.

California Walnuts also have the heart-healthy seal of approval from the heart health charity, HEART UK. One handful also contains 4.4g of protein and 1.4g of fibre (per 30g) – both very important food groups for keeping your energy up in the hills – and walnuts are naturally low in salt, too.

3 snacking ideas with California Walnuts

With a mild and creamy taste, they can be enjoyed just as they are. If you’re feeling adventurous though, here are a few snack ideas for you to try. They’re all quick and easy to make, and can easily be stored and carried in a zip-lock bag, ready for easily accessible outdoors snack time with a view.

California Walnut and Dark Chocolate Trail Mix

This easy trail mix recipe with California Walnuts, dark chocolate and cranberries is the perfect on-the-go snack.

Ingredients:

• 30g pretzels
• 50g dark chocolate
• 140g California Walnuts
• 40g dried cranberries

Method:

1. Roughly break the pretzels and roughly chop the chocolate.
2. Mix with the walnuts and dried cranberries.
3. Place into an airtight jar to store.

California Walnut Power Balls

These little balls are packed with walnuts, dried fruit and seeds – and are super simple to make. No baking necessary!

Ingredients:

• 75g California Walnut pieces
• 100g dried apricots
• 100g dried figs halved
• 2 tbsp mixed seeds

Method:

1. Place 25g walnuts in a food processor and blitz until chopped. Transfer to a large plate and set aside.
2. Place the remaining walnuts in the food processor with the apricots, figs and the seeds and blitz to give a coarse paste.
3. With damp hands, divide the mixture into 12 and roll into balls. Roll the balls in the reserved chopped walnuts and serve.

Mango and California Walnut Trail Mix

Jam-packed with a mix of delicious ingredients, this makes for a tasty on-the-move snack.

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp water
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 250g California Walnuts
• 50g sunflower seeds
• 2 tbsp ground flaxseed
• 50g toasted coconut flakes
• 130g dried mango

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the honey, water and vanilla extract.
3. Into a separate mixing bowl, place the California walnuts, sunflower seeds and ground flaxseed. Pour the honey mixture over and toss to evenly coat.
4. Place the walnut mix onto a lined baking tray in a single layer and toast in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and fragrant.
5. Set aside to cool, then mix with the toasted coconut flakes and dried mango. Store in an airtight container.

For more snacking ideas with walnuts, visit www.californiawalnuts.co.uk.

*Walnuts are the only tree nut to contain significant amounts of the plant-based essential omega-3 fatty acids alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) (2.7g per 30g – approx. a handful).