black walnut

black walnut [blak wawl-nuht, -nuht] noun

Juglans nigra. The fruit harvested from the North American walnut tree (which was introduced to Europe in 1629), cultivated for its hardwood as well as its nuts. The black walnut has a distinct licorice flavor, produces a blackish-brown dye and is often found in ice cream, quick bread, cake and cookie recipes. It is very hard to shell, but you can occasionally find shelled for ease of use.