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Preface from
the Author’s family
Boris has been breeding walnuts for over 10 years. What began as a hobby, thanks to Boris’s love for his work and desire to share this love, soon became a family business. He introduced us to the subtleties of nut cultivation, and we continue his endeavors in his memory and following his teachings.
In a short tale from Boris’s perspective,
we convey the story of the family’s introduction to His Highness the Greek Walnut
In this chapter, you will take a walk through the historical lands of Latvia and visit one of the colorful local fairs
From Courland to Kurseme
Chapter 1
was thriving. The land, one of the most fertile in Latvia, fed numerous settlements of people and wild animals. Although this region seemed cold and unwelcoming at first glance, it was always generous in the gifts of nature.
In this chapter, you will take a walk through the historical lands of Latvia and visit one of the colorful local fairs
From Courland to Kurseme
Almost 400 years later, by the will of fate, I found myself in this glorious place, which now bears the name Kurseme. Having a large garden has always been my dream of an inheritance that I could pass on to my children and grandchildren. In 2008, I was lucky enough to buy land in this rich region, and on occasion, I found myself at a local fair in Edole.
Walking around the fair, I didn’t know what I was looking for — but there was plenty to see. An incredible amount of fruits and vegetables, local dishes and cultural objects, and natural products grown in this same region — honey, nuts, and tree seedlings.
Having already passed more than half of the fair, I noticed a man near whom there were only two seedlings that looked rather lonely. It was difficult to understand what kind of tree it was, but the seller explained in a low voice unobtrusively that it was a walnut and it bore fruit perfectly in our region. Being absolutely sure that Latvia and walnut are incompatible concepts, I was already moving on, but the man gently said that these were the last trees, they were bearing fruit perfectly, and he really needed to go home. I couldn’t resist buying a few pieces from him, knowing absolutely nothing about this nut
Chapter 1
the 17th century, the Duchy of Courland and Semigallia
and Semigallia was thriving. The land, one of the most fertile in Latvia, fed numerous settlements of people and wild animals. Although this region seemed cold and unwelcoming at first glance, it was always generous in the gifts of nature.
In
Almost 400 years later, by the will of fate, I found myself in this glorious place, which now bears the name Kurseme. Having a large garden has always been my dream of an inheritance that I could pass on to my children and grandchildren. In 2008, I was lucky enough to buy land in this rich region, and on occasion, I found myself at a local fair in Edole.
Walking around the fair, I didn’t know what I was looking for — but there was plenty to see. An incredible amount of fruits and vegetables, local dishes and cultural objects, and natural products grown in this same region — honey, nuts, and tree seedlings.
Having already passed more than half of the fair, I noticed a man near whom there were only two seedlings that looked rather lonely. It was difficult to understand what kind of tree it was, but the seller explained in a low voice unobtrusively that it was a walnut and it bore fruit perfectly in our region. Being absolutely sure that Latvia and walnut are incompatible concepts, I was already moving on, but the man gently said that these were the last trees, they were bearing fruit perfectly, and he really needed to go home. I couldn’t resist buying a few pieces from him, knowing absolutely nothing about this nut.
the 17th century, the Duchy of Courland
IN
This chapter will tell you more about the useful naturopathic properties and natural value of the walnut
Encounter with the Walnut
Chapter 2
But the seller impressed me so much that I began to study all the available information about the walnut. The more I learned about it, the more surprised and fascinated I was by this tree. It turned out that the walnut has an incredibly long history. People so highly valued it that 3000 years ago, in Ancient Egypt and Greece, it was considered the "food of the Gods". Only the pharaoh and the caste of high priests were allowed to eat it. Ordinary people faced a death penalty for eating a walnut.
This chapter will tell you more about the useful naturopathic properties and natural value of the walnut
Encounter with the Walnut
This fruit is described as one of the most valuable plants in the world. The walnut is a treasury of minerals and beneficial substances that are unparalleled. It strengthens and restores the thyroid gland and immune system, heals the heart, and improves cognitive brain functions.
At that time, I started buying new walnut seedlings, and researching varieties and climatic conditions. With a more detailed study and every year of tree care, it became clear to me that the walnut is such a unique tree (I would even say "creation") that, in addition to its fruits, it gives an exceptional feeling of peace and happiness.
By that time, it was already clear that the local climate was quite specific, and not all varieties of walnuts would grow successfully and, most importantly, bear fruit. It was necessary to select special frost-resistant varieties that could withstand extreme negative temperatures in the winter
Chapter 2
planted the seedlings at my home, not expecting anything.
expecting much. But the seller impressed me so much that I began to study all the available information about the walnut. The more I learned about it, the more surprised and fascinated I was by this tree. It turned out that the walnut has an incredibly long history. People so highly valued it that 3000 years ago, in Ancient Egypt and Greece, it was considered the "food of the gods". Only the pharaoh and the caste of high priests were allowed to eat it. Ordinary people faced a death penalty for eating a walnut.
I
This fruit is described as one of the most valuable plants in the world. The walnut is a treasury of minerals and beneficial substances that are unparalleled. It strengthens and restores the thyroid gland and immune system, heals the heart, and improves cognitive brain functions.
At the same time, I started buying new walnut seedlings, researching varieties and climatic conditions. With a more detailed study and every year of tree care, it became clear to me that the walnut is such a unique tree (I would even say "creation") that, in addition to its fruits, it gives an exceptional feeling of peace and happiness.
By that time, it was already clear that the local climate was quite specific, and not all varieties of walnuts would grow successfully and, most importantly, bear fruit. It was necessary to select special frost-resistant varieties that could withstand extreme negative temperatures in the winter.
planted the seedlings at my home, not
I
The concluding chapter, from which you will learn what my accidental purchase of walnut seedlings brought
Connection of generations
Chapter 3
fair in Edole, were frost-resistant and could survive in these conditions. Imagine my surprise when they started to grow and bring an incredible harvest! After several years of growth on my plot, my trees began to produce 30 kg of fruit each year.
The concluding chapter, from which you will learn what fruits my accidental purchase of walnut seedlings brought
Connection of generations
Now — more than 10 years after the incident — my admiration for walnuts has only increased. I have become even more convinced of the value and curative value of this tree and now I want to share this vision with everyone. My mission is to instill a love for the walnut in the residents of Latvia and the Baltic States and make it possible for everyone who has even a small plot of land to cultivate it.
Since the majestic Walnut tree lives and bears fruit for more than 200 years, it will delight not only one generation of your family but as it happened with mine, many generations to come. Now not only I am taking care of my walnut garden, but also my children and even grandchildren. And in 200 years, when I will no longer be alive, my great-great-great-grandchildren will sit under this tree and feel my love and care.
If you have a free plot of land of more than 0.5 hectares, I wholeheartedly recommend that you create a full-fledged walnut orchard. It will make your life healthier and more fulfilling, and afterward it will pass on the memory of you from generation to generation
Chapter 3
wasn't sure if my first seedlings, bought at the
at the fair in Edole, were frost-resistant and could survive in these conditions. Imagine my surprise when they started to grow and bring an incredible harvest! After several years of growth on my plot, my trees began to produce 30 kg of fruit each year.