Sun, Nov 21, 2004, 4:16pm george@least (George) Black walnut is the fruit, and it poisons and messes the ground with husks and shells,contains meat which is almost impossible to get out of the shell, and has a bitter taste. That's why we grow the "English" walnut - to eat.
Actually, I believe it's a nut, not a fruit. I never saw it "poisoning" the ground. If we didn't get out there and get the nuts when they fell, the squirrels did, and left no husks or shells around. The meat is no problem getting out, once you've got the nut cracked, you just need a nut pick. I've never experienced any bitter taste.
I would imagine the reason "English" walnuts are grown is because there's more profit from them, it sure isn't the taste, they're the last nut I'd choose. Also, they're much easier to crack - I usually just take two at a time, squueze them in my hands, and crack one. I don't much care for their taste tho; plus, I find they often taste slightly bit bitter.
JOAT Measure twice, cut once, swear repeatedly.