Bulgaria's bountiful walnut harvest struggles against cheaper imports from China this year. Golyamo Dryanovo, in Starozagora region, hosts one of Bulgaria's largest walnut areas.
Roughly ten thousand decares of orchards cover the village, inherited across generations.
Farmer Georgi Georgieva says the first-grade kernel harvest is excellent this season. Imported kernels sell wholesale near four euros, while Bulgarian kernels reach nine.
Rising labor, machinery, and fuel costs make harvesting increasingly expensive for growers. Growers hope shoppers pick local walnuts for their large, flavorful, omega-rich kernels.