Nuts Walnuts

Nuts Walnuts (nigvzi) are the most important stars in Georgian gastronomy and help make its cookery so unique. They feature in the spiced and herbed walnuts pastes at the heart of many vegetable and meat dishes. After being pounded in a mortar and pestle, walnuts can be squeezed by hand and a few drops of precious oil extracted to sprinkle on top of stews or other dishes.

Walnut trees grow throughout the country and the nuts are sold in many grades in the markets. Walnuts are most prevalent in the cuisine of western Georgia, where hazelnuts / filberts (tkhilis) sometimes replace them (particularly in Guria). Almonds are used but to a much lesser extent.