Knowing when to pick hazelnuts is the single most important factor for getting the best flavor and texture from your harvest. If you pick them to early, they’ll be bland and soft. Too late, and squirrels or mold might beat you to it. This guide will walk you through the simple signs that tell you it’s time.
Harvesting at the perfect moment means you’ll enjoy nuts that are sweet, crisp, and full of that classic, rich hazelnut taste. It’s a satisfying reward for your gardening efforts. Let’s look at the clear indicators your nuts are ready.
When To Pick Hazelnuts
Hazelnuts, also known as filberts, mature in late summer to early fall. The exact timing depends on your climate and the specific variety you’re growing. The shift from immature to ready-to-harvest happens over a couple of weeks, so you’ll need to keep a close eye on them.
Unlike some fruits, hazelnuts don’t all ripen at once on the same cluster. This means you might be doing several passes over the tree or bush. The primary signs are visual and tactile, and they’re easy to learn.
The Key Signs of Ripeness
Hazelnuts grow inside a protective green husk. As they mature, this husk and the nut itself undergo noticeable changes. Here’s what to look for:
- The Husk Changes Color and Opens: The green husk will start to turn yellow, then a brownish color. Most importantly, the edges of the husk will begin to pull back from the nut shell inside. A fully open husk is a great sign, but many nuts are ready when the husk is just starting to split.
- The Shell Color is Right: Inside the husk, the shell should be a hard, solid brown. If it’s still white or beige, the nut is not mature. A fully brown shell indicates the kernel has developed its oils and flavor.
- Nuts Start Falling: This is nature’s big clue. When you see healthy nuts (still in their husks or not) on the ground under the tree, the harvest window is open. Give the branches a gentle shake; if ripe nuts fall easily, it’s time to start picking.
The Feel Test: A Simple Check
Pick a sample nut that looks ready. Remove it from it’s husk if it’s open. The shell should feel very hard and completely filled. Give it a slight squeeze; there should be no sponginess or give. If the shell feels at all soft or the nut seems to rattle inside, it needs more time on the tree.
Timing Based on Your Location
Your local climate sets the schedule. In general:
- Pacific Northwest (USA): A major hazelnut region, harvest typically runs from late September through October.
- Northeast and Midwest (USA): Expect to harvest from early to mid-October.
- United Kingdom and Northern Europe: Harvest time is usually mid to late September.
- Warmer Climates: Harvest may begin as early as late August.
The best method is to watch the nuts, not the calendar. Weather patterns in a given year can speed up or delay maturity by a week or two.
How to Harvest Your Hazelnuts
Once you’ve determined it’s time, follow these steps for a successful harvest.
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
You won’t need much. Have some buckets or baskets ready. Wear gloves if you prefer, as the open husks can sometimes stain your hands. A tarp or old sheet can be very helpful.
Step 2: Collect Fallen Nuts First
Spread your tarp under the canopy of the tree. Gently shake the branches or use a pole to tap them. Ripe nuts will drop onto the tarp, making collection easy. Pick up any nuts from the ground, but inspect them carefully for holes or signs of insect damage.
Step 3: Hand-Pick from the Tree
For nuts that are ready but still clinging, simply twist and pull them off by hand. Focus on those with open or splitting husks. Don’t force nuts with tightly closed green husks; leave them for another week.
Step 4: Separate from Husks
If the husks haven’t fallen off during collection, you’ll need to remove them. For small quantities, just wear your gloves and twist them off. For larger harvests, you can put the nuts in a sack and gently tread on them to loosen the husks, then pour everything into a bucket and winnow out the debris.
Post-Harvest Processing for Best Flavor
Freshly picked hazelnuts are not ready to eat immediately. They contain to much moisture and need to be dried, or cured. This process develops their sweetness and gives them that wonderful crunchy texture.
- Initial Cleaning: Brush off any dirt or husk fragments. Do not wash the nuts in water, as this can promote mold during drying.
- The Drying Process: Spread your nuts in a single layer on screens, trays, or old window screens. Good air circulation is crucial. Place them in a warm, dry, well-ventilated area out of direct sunlight. A garage, shed, or covered porch works well.
- Drying Time: Let them dry for 2-4 weeks. You’ll know they’re ready when you shake a nut and hear the kernel rattle slightly inside the shell. The kernel itself should be crisp when bitten.
- Final Storage: Once fully dried, store your hazelnuts in-shell in mesh bags or breathable containers in a cool, dark place. They can last for several months like this. For longer storage, you can refrigerate or freeze them, either in-shell or shelled.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced gardeners can make a few errors during hazelnut season. Here’s what to watch out for:
- Harvesting Too Early: Impatience leads to shriveled, tasteless kernels. Wait for the brown shell and open husk.
- Letting Nuts Get Wet: If it’s a rainy fall, try to harvest promptly. Nuts left in wet husks on damp ground are prone to mold.
- Skipping the Drying Step: Eating or storing undried nuts results in poor flavor and a high chance of spoilage. Don’t rush this part.
- Poor Storage: Storing nuts in airtight containers before they are fully dry, or in a warm place, will cause them to go rancid quickly.
FAQ: Your Hazelnut Harvest Questions
Can I pick hazelnuts when they are green?
No, for optimal flavor and texture, you should not pick them while green. The kernel will not have developed its full complement of oils and sugars, resulting in a soft, bland nut.
How long after picking are hazelnuts good?
Properly dried and stored in-shell in a cool place, they can last for up to a year. Shelled nuts should be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer for best quality.
What if squirrels are taking all my nuts?
This is a common problem. Your best defense is to harvest as soon as the nuts are ripe. You can also try using protective tree collars to prevent squirrels from climbing or use humane deterrents. Sometimes, picking a little early and finishing the drying indoors is necessary if pests are relentless.
My hazelnuts have little holes in them. What happened?
This is likely damage from the hazelnut weevil. The larva feeds on the developing kernel. There’s no cure once the nut is harvested; discard any with holes. For next season, research control methods for the adult weevils in early summer.
Can I dry hazelnuts in a dehydrator or oven?
Yes, but use very low heat. Set a dehydrator or oven to no more than 100-110°F (38-43°C). Spread the nuts in a single layer and check frequently. High heat will cook the oils and ruin the flavor. Air drying is gentler and often recommended.
Getting the timing right for when to pick hazelnuts makes all the difference. By following these simple visual and tactile clues—the open husk, the brown shell, and the falling nuts—you’ll capture your crop at it’s peak. The short effort of proper drying is well worth it, rewarding you with the richest flavor and perfect crunch for your baking, snacks, and recipes. Keep an eye on your trees as summer ends, and you’ll be guaranteed a fantastic harvest.