As soon as the skin begins to loosen, transfer the almonds to a bowl of cold water and slip off the skins. Dry thoroughly before storing. Fresh walnuts are usually eaten straight from the shell as a dessert. They can be ground or chopped and used in cakes and desserts, or halved and used for decoration. They are used to make savoury sauces for pasta, such as salsa di noce, a rich combination of ground walnuts, butter and cream.
Walnut oil has a distinctive flavour and, used sparingly, makes an excellent salad dressing.
Unripe walnuts can be pickled, and they are used to make sweet, sticky liqueurs. Their colour enhances most white meats and poultry. They make deliciously rich ice cream and are used in cassata gelata, the famous Sicilian dessert. If possible, buy pistachios still in their shells. Shelled, blanched pistachios are also available.