On hot, humid summer days, waking up and finding a way to have a light, healthy, nutritional breakfast can often prove challenging.

Walnut milk is a great alternative to classic dairy milk.

Because it’s vegetable based, it isn’t really milk. It’s an extract that has similar nutritional characteristics meaning it can be used and consumed as a dairy milk substitute, but is much easier to digest.

Ideal for a healthy breakfast or as a snack for children, walnut milk can also be used in the kitchen in a variety of ways.

Delicious with cocoa and sugar, it can also be added to coffee. If you like strong tastes, try adding a pinch of turmeric or cinnamon to transform it into an appetising drink with anti-inflammatory properties.

It is equally as good for drinking after a sports activity or at any other time of the day when you need an energy boost.

The properties of walnut milk make it suitable for everyone: as shown by scientific studies, the high polyunsaturated fat content (Omega 3 and Omega 6) of walnuts helps improve the elasticity of blood vessels and keeps cholesterol under control while plant proteins provide added protein for anyone on a vegetarian or vegan diet. It is also naturally lactose-free so can be consumed by anyone who is lactose intolerant. It can also be drunk by anyone with coeliac disease because it is gluten-free.

Unfortunately, walnut milk can be difficult to find in the shops so the best solution is to make it at home. Don’t worry though. Preparing walnut milk is really easy – all you need is a blender!

To make about 500 ml of walnut milk, you will need:

• 1 cup of shelled walnuts (about 150g)
• 3 cups of water (about 700 ml)

Method:

• soak the walnuts in the water overnight (or at least 8 hours),
• throw this water away and rinse thoroughly with clean water,
• blend the walnuts to a pulp, gradually adding a little water,
• strain with a fine mesh sieve,
• transfer the milk to a clean glass bottle and keep in the fridge, shaking well before drinking.

Add sugar or flavour the milk (with instant coffee, cocoa powder or spices) just before drinking to avoid altering the preservation times.

Depending on the type of walnuts used, the walnut milk will have a different flavour, so if you want a drink with a smooth, delicate flavour, we recommend using Agricorti’s Lara walnuts!