The eastern black walnut (Juglans nigra) has a variety of uses. The meat is used in ice cream, baked goods, and candies. 

The shell provides the soft grit abrasive that’s used in metal cleaning and polishing, and oil well drilling. 

Interestingly, it’s also used in paint products, and as a filler in dynamite. How nutty is that?!? 

This post was contributed by Ross Malone. A historian and a retired school teacher, Ross has authored many books about Missouri’s history, weird facts, and folk tales. He has also written children’s historical fiction. Visit his website, and buy his books in the Missouri Life store.

Photo credit: James DeMers, Pixabay