PHOTO BY ANNA WICK

Woodland may seem like an unlikely spot to carry on the centuries-old Loire Valley tradition of artisan nut-oil production. But for La Tourangelle, it was the ideal place to set up shop.

THE FRENCH TRADITION

La Tourangelle originated in the tiny French village of Saumur more than 150 years ago, and ownership of it fell to the Kohlmeyer family in the 1990s. The company didn’t make it to the U.S. until 2002, when the Woodland mill opened. Following the French tradition at the new location meant using the same roasting kettles and mechanical press that the company’s founders did in the 19th century.

“I wanted to recreate the artistry of the oil mills in France and had custom equipment made to replicate the authentic traditions of oil making,” Kohlmeyer says. “In fact, the cast-iron pots used to roast the nuts came from the mill in France and make a difference in drawing out the aromas and flavors of the nuts.”

Just as important was gaining the artisanal know-how gleaned from generations of French nut-oil producers so one such roasting expert trained American staff members. The nuts are roasted and stirred by hand, mechanically pressed and passed through cotton filters to maintain nutrients and flavor.

MASTER ROASTER

Leading the charge at the Woodland mill is master roaster Shawn Hooker, whose decade of experience at La Tourangelle taught him the importance of patience and attention to detail. Ultimately, he says, the company’s success is about the quality of the nut.

“It takes multiple harvests to know quality, as it can really vary over the years depending on weather and other factors,” he says. “The ideal nut has high oil content. For example, you can take a walnut, squish it in your fingers, and feel the oil. The other way I determine quality is the aroma. You can definitely smell it for freshness. After every batch, I taste the oils to make sure the flavor is there.”

La Tourangelle in Woodland processes more than 600,000 pounds of nuts each year, and its product line now includes more than 25 specialty and organic oils, including walnut, almond, hazelnut, and pistachio. La Tourangelle oils are available at major retailers, such as Raley’s, Whole Foods Market, Sacramento Natural Foods Co-op, Nugget Markets, and online at Latourangelle.com.