A Nocino Recipe You Can Make Yourself
Hey friends,
Green walnuts have been used for generations to make rich, aromatic preserves with deep flavor and a soft, almost candied texture. This traditional sweet green walnut jam pairs beautifully with toast, yogurt, cheese boards, pastries, or even vanilla ice cream.
What is Nocino?
Nocino (pronounced noh-CHEE-no) is a traditional walnut liqueur made by infusing unripe green walnuts in alcohol, then sweetening with sugar and spices. The result is dark, aromatic, slightly bitter, and warming—perfect for sipping slowly after a long day.
Serves: 16-20
Prep Time: 30 Minutes
Soaking Time: 5-7 Days
Cook Time: 1 Hour 30 Minutes
Recipe Name
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs fresh green walnuts
- 4 cups water
- 3 cups organic cane sugar
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 cloves
- 1 lemon, sliced
- Optional: vanilla bean or orange peel
Instructions:
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1. Prepare the Green Walnuts
Using gloves (green walnuts can stain), rinse and trim the walnuts. Pierce each walnut several times with a fork.
2. Soak the Walnuts
Place walnuts in water and soak for 5–7 days, changing the water daily. This helps reduce bitterness and softens the walnuts.
3. Boil Until Tender
Drain the walnuts and simmer them in fresh water for 30–45 minutes until tender.
4. Make the Syrup
In a separate pot, combine:
- sugar
- water
- cinnamon
- cloves
- lemon slices
Bring to a gentle boil until the sugar fully dissolves.
5. Cook the Jam
Add the softened walnuts to the syrup and simmer on low heat for 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the syrup thickens and the walnuts turn dark and glossy.
6. Jar & Enjoy
Transfer to sterilized jars and refrigerate once cooled.
The result is a rich, lightly spiced preserv
