How to Harvest a Walnut: A Guide for Success
How to Harvest a Walnut?
To harvest a walnut, begin by checking the readiness of the nuts in the fall when the shell starts to split and the nuts begin to ripen.
The ideal time for harvesting is from early September to early November.
Look for brown membranes between the halves and loosened hulls to know if the nuts are ready.
For high nuts, check if they have ripened as they may take longer than lower nuts.
Ensure the tree is well watered to avoid delayed harvest, and start picking when at least 85% of the nuts can be easily removed from the tree.
Use a pole or a pole combined with a hook to shake the nuts loose, and immediately pick them up to prevent mold or infestation.
Wear rubber gloves to protect your hands from staining and potential skin irritation.
Hull the nuts with a pocket knife and wash them.
Dry the hulled nuts in a single layer on a flat, shaded area, stirring them daily for drying.
If drying outdoors, cover them with plastic netting to deter birds.
The drying time varies but generally takes three to four days.
When fully dried, the kernels and membrane should be brittle.
Store the cured walnuts in a cool, dry area, refrigerator, or freezer for long-term preservation.
Key Points:
- Check the readiness of the nuts in the fall when the shell starts to split and the nuts begin to ripen
- Harvest from early September to early November
- Look for brown membranes between the halves and loosened hulls to know if the nuts are ready
- Check high nuts for ripeness as they may take longer
- Start picking when at least 85% of the nuts can be easily removed from the tree
- Use a pole or pole combined with a hook to shake the nuts loose and immediately pick them up
Did You Know?
1. Walnuts are not actually nuts, but rather a type of seed called a “drupe.”
2. Harvesting walnuts can be a dangerous task, as the trees often drop their heavy nuts from great heights, capable of causing injury.
3. In order to successfully harvest walnuts, it is important to wait for the outer green husk to split open, revealing the hard shell inside.
4. The English walnut, also known as the Persian walnut, is the most commonly harvested walnut worldwide, accounting for approximately 95% of walnut production.
5. When harvesting walnuts, it is advisable to wear gloves, as the husks contain a natural dye called juglone, which can stain skin and clothing.
Walnut Harvesting Basics
Walnuts, with their high protein content and omega-3 fatty acids, are a nutritious and delicious addition to any diet. There are two commonly grown varieties of walnuts: English and black walnuts. These trees can reach impressive heights of up to 100 feet, creating a majestic presence in the landscape.
To harvest walnuts successfully, it’s essential to know when they are ready for picking. The shell encasing the nut should have split, and the nuts should begin to ripen in the fall. The ideal harvest time for walnuts is from early September to early November. Look for signs that indicate readiness, such as the browning of the membrane between the halves and a loosening hull.
It’s important to note that higher nuts may take longer to ripen than those lower on the tree. Additionally, water-stressed trees may have a delayed harvest, so ensure that the tree is well-watered. To avoid letting insects and birds access the nuts before you do, start harvesting when at least 85% of the nuts can be easily removed from the tree.
Harvesting Timing And Ripeness
Timing is crucial when it comes to harvesting walnuts. Delaying the process for too long can result in bitter and rancid nuts. Therefore, it’s vital to observe the signs of ripeness carefully.
- Taste test a few nuts from higher branches to see if they have reached the desired taste and texture.
The brown membrane between the walnut halves and a loosened hull are indicators of ripeness. Aim to harvest when the membrane has turned brown, and the hull has loosened. When these criteria are met, the nuts are primed for picking.
Keep in mind that the drying time of the walnuts depends on temperature. Generally, it takes around three to four days for the kernels and the membrane to become brittle, indicating that they are fully dried and ready for further processing and storage.
Tools And Precautions For Harvesting
To successfully harvest walnuts, there are a few important steps to follow:
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Use the right tools: A pole or a pole combined with a hook can be used to gently shake the tree and dislodge the walnuts without causing damage.
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Act quickly: When picking up the fallen walnuts, it is essential to gather them promptly to prevent mold or infestation by ants.
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Protect your hands: Wear rubber gloves to avoid staining your hands and potential skin irritation from the phenols in the walnut husk.
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Hull the walnuts: After gathering the walnuts, use a pocket knife to remove the husk and expose the kernel inside.
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Wash the nuts: Once hulled, it is recommended to wash the nuts to remove any remaining debris or residue.
Remember to take necessary precautions while harvesting walnuts to ensure a successful and enjoyable process.
- Use a pole or a pole combined with a hook to gently shake the tree
- Act quickly to prevent mold or infestation by ants
- Wear rubber gloves to protect your hands from staining and skin irritation
- Hull the walnuts using a pocket knife
- Wash the nuts to remove debris or residue
Drying And Storing Walnuts
After washing, it’s crucial to dry the walnuts properly to avoid spoilage. Lay them out in a single layer on a smooth, flat, and shaded area, ensuring that the nuts receive adequate airflow. Stir the nuts daily during the drying process to promote even drying.
If you choose to dry the walnuts outdoors, it’s advisable to cover them with plastic netting to deter birds, who might be tempted by this delectable treat. The drying time varies depending on the temperature, but typically takes around three to four days. Once fully dried, the kernels and the membrane should be brittle to the touch.
When the walnuts are completely dried, it’s time to store them for later use. Place the cured walnuts in a cool, dry area. For extended storage, the refrigerator or freezer is ideal. In the fridge, walnuts can be stored for up to a year, and in the freezer, they can last two or more years, ensuring that you have a ready supply of this nutritious snack or ingredient.
Harvesting Black Walnuts
Black walnuts, mainly grown in the Midwest and East-Central United States, are a unique variety that is harvested by hand. The wild black walnut crop is carefully gathered each fall, and the nuts are then hulled, bagged, and sold to buying stations.
A key player in the black walnut market is the Hammons Products Company, which buys millions of pounds of nuts from around 215 buying locations across the United States. The hands-on method of harvesting black walnuts ensures that the product is all-natural and fully sustainable.
The increasing popularity of black walnuts has led to a growing demand for harvesters to collect the fallen crop. This presents new opportunities and income sources for individuals interested in participating in the black walnut industry.
For improved text:
Black walnuts are a specific variety mainly grown in the Midwest and East-Central United States. Unlike their English walnut counterparts, black walnuts are harvested by hand. Each fall, the wild black walnut crop is carefully harvested, hulled, bagged, and sold to buying stations.
One notable player in the black walnut market is the Hammons Products Company. They purchase millions of pounds of nuts from approximately 215 buying locations across the United States. The hands-on method of harvesting black walnuts allows for an all-natural and fully sustainable product.
As the popularity of black walnuts continues to grow, so does the demand for harvesters to pick up the fallen crop. This creates new opportunities and income sources for individuals interested in participating in the black walnut industry.
– Black walnuts are mainly grown in the Midwest and East-Central United States.
– Black walnuts are harvested by hand.
– The wild black walnut crop is carefully harvested, hulled, bagged, and sold to buying stations.
– Hammons Products Company purchases millions of pounds of nuts from approximately 215 buying locations.
– The hands-on method of harvesting black walnuts ensures an all-natural and fully sustainable product.
– The increasing popularity of black walnuts creates new opportunities and income sources for individuals interested in participating in the industry.
Growing Demand For Black Walnuts – News Update
The News section is a valuable resource for those interested in the latest updates on the black walnut crop condition and harvest progress. It provides insights into this year’s crop condition, factors that may affect the harvest, and updates on the market demand for black walnuts.
As consumers become more aware of the unique flavor and nutritional benefits of black walnuts, the demand for these tasty nuts continues to rise. This growing popularity highlights the importance of supporting local farmers and businesses involved in black walnut production.
Harvesting walnuts is a rewarding and enjoyable experience. Understanding the basics, timing, tools, and precautions involved in the process is crucial for a successful harvest. Whether you are harvesting English or black walnuts, the reward of storing and enjoying this nutritious and versatile nut makes the effort well worth it. Stay informed and keep an eye on the latest news updates to make the most of this thriving industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to pick up walnuts?
The most efficient way to pick up walnuts is to gather them shortly after they have fallen, when the hulls are still partly green. To simplify the process, one can either collect them by hand or use a Nut Wizard, which is a convenient tool designed specifically for gathering nuts. The Nut Wizard features a long handle and a barrel-like end that effortlessly picks up Black Walnuts, eliminating the need to remove the hulls. With this method, gathering walnuts becomes a magical and hassle-free experience.
Can you eat walnuts straight from the tree?
Absolutely! Walnuts can be eaten straight from the tree, but it is essential to know the proper way to harvest and crack them. With over 25 years of experience in horticulture, she can confirm that black walnuts from your yard or foraged from the woods are edible. However, cracking the tough shells proves to be the main challenge.
How do you dry walnuts from a tree?
To dry walnuts from a tree, begin by washing and sorting the nuts. Once done, it is important to allow them to dry for a period of two to three weeks. One effective method of drying is to place the nuts on a wire screen. Ensure that they are spread out in shallow layers, no more than three nuts deep. Finding a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area is crucial for the drying process. Typically, a shed or garage would serve as an ideal location to dry walnuts, allowing them to properly air out.
Can you eat walnuts raw?
Yes, walnuts can indeed be eaten raw. In fact, eating walnuts in their raw form offers greater antioxidant benefits compared to consuming roasted nuts. These antioxidants play a crucial role in reducing the oxidation that is responsible for damaging arteries and increasing the risk of heart disease. Therefore, by enjoying raw walnuts, you can optimize their potential health benefits and protect your cardiovascular health.