Knowing when to pick black walnuts is the secret to getting the best flavor from your harvest. If you pick them to early, the nuts will be impossible to extract. If you wait to long, squirrels and other critters might beat you to them. This guide will walk you through the simple signs that tell you it’s the perfect time to gather your black walnuts.
Black walnut trees are a fantastic resource, offering both shade and a delicious, protein-rich crop. But unlike store-bought nuts, they require a bit of special knowledge to harvest correctly. It all starts with timing. Let’s look at the natural clues the tree and its fruit give you.
When To Pick Black Walnuts
The optimal harvesting time is not a specific date on the calendar. It varies by region and even by individual tree. Instead, you need to become a detective and watch for a few key physical signals.
The Key Signs of Ripeness
Black walnuts tell you they’re ready in a few clear ways. The most obvious sign is what’s happening on the ground.
- The Hulls Are Falling: The first and best sign is when the nuts begin to drop from the tree on their own. This is nature’s way of saying the nut inside is mature.
- The Hull Color and Texture: A ripe black walnut has a hull that looks like a greenish-yellow tennis ball. It should feel slightly soft to the squeeze, not rock hard. Unripe hulls are bright green and very firm.
- The Hull is Loose: On a truly ripe nut, the thick, fleshy hull will be starting to pull away from the hard inner shell. You might even see a slight darkening or a crack where it’s separating.
- Indentations Appear: As the hull softens, you can often press your thumb into it and leave an indentation. This is a good test when combined with the other signs.
Remember, the goal is to collect nuts that have fallen or are ready to fall with a gentle shake. Don’t try to pull nuts directly from the branches, as this usually means they aren’t ripe yet.
The Harvesting Process: Step-by-Step
Once you’ve identified that it’s time, follow these steps for a successful harvest. Having the right tools and approach makes the whole process much easier and cleaner.
- Gather Your Gear: You will need heavy-duty rubber gloves (the hulls stain terribly), old clothes and shoes, a bucket or baskets, and a sturdy pole for gently shaking branches if needed.
- Collect Frequently: Start checking under your trees daily in early fall. Gather fallen nuts every day or two to prevent them from laying to long on the ground, where mold or insects can become a problem.
- Do a Shake Test: If many nuts have fallen but some still cling to the branches, you can gently shake the limb or tap it with a pole. Ripe nuts will drop easily.
- Leave the Unready Ones: If a nut doesn’t fall with a gentle shake, leave it for another few days. It needs more time to develop its full flavor.
- Remove the Hulls Promptly: This is the messiest but most important step. You’ll want to remove the green hulls within a day or two of collection for the best nut quality.
How to Remove the Hulls and Dry Your Walnuts
Processing is crucial. The hull must be removed and the nut dried properly to ensure they store well and taste great.
Hulling Methods
Always wear those gloves! The tannins in the hulls create a powerful, long-lasting brown stain.
- The Driveway Method: Place the nuts in a single layer on a hard surface like a driveway. Use your boot to roll them back and forth, applying pressure until the hull splits and peels away. This is very effective for large batches.
- The Bucket Method: For smaller amounts, you can place nuts in a bucket of water. Slightly softened hulls are sometimes easier to peel or pry off with a sturdy knife.
After hulling, rinse the hard-shelled nuts thoroughly with a hose to remove any leftover hull debris and juice. Discard any nuts that float, as they are likely empty or rotten.
Drying for Storage
Proper drying prevents mold and allows the nutmeat to cure, developing its full, rich flavor.
- Spread the rinsed nuts in a single layer on screens, old window frames, or trays. Good air circulation on all sides is key.
- Place them in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area like a garage, shed, or covered porch. Avoid damp basements.
- Allow them to dry for 3-4 weeks. You can test them by shaking a nut; if you hear the kernel rattling inside, it’s properly dried.
- Once dry, you can store them in mesh bags or ventilated containers in a cool, dark place. In the shell, they can last for over a year.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced gardeners can make a few errors when harvesting black walnuts. Here’s what to watch out for.
- Harvesting Too Early: Picking nuts straight from the tree usually yields a shriveled, bitter kernel. Patience is essential.
- Letting Nuts Sit in Hulls: If hulls are left on to long, the heat and moisture can cause the nutmeat inside to mold or turn rancid.
- Poor Drying: Stacking nuts in a pile or using a plastic bag during drying traps moisture and guarantees spoilage.
- Wearing Nice Clothes: This bears repeating: the stains from black walnut hulls are nearly permanent. Don’t learn this lesson the hard way!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What month are black walnuts ready?
In most of the United States, black walnuts are ready from late September through October. The timing depends on your local climate and the weather during the growing season.
Can you eat black walnuts right off the tree?
No. The nuts must be harvested at the right time, hulled, dried, and then cracked. The fresh kernel has a different texture and moisture content and needs the drying (curing) process for its best flavor.
How do you know if black walnuts are bad?
After cracking, look for dark, shriveled, or moldy nutmeat. A rancid smell is also a clear indicator. If the nut felt unusually light or didn’t rattle after drying, it was likely empty or spoiled.
What’s the easiest way to crack black walnuts?
A heavy-duty nutcracker designed for black walnuts is best. A hammer on a concrete surface works but can shatter the kernel. Some people use a vise. Place the nut on its side, not on its end, for the cleanest crack.
Why are my black walnuts bitter?
Bitterness usually comes from one of three things: harvesting to early, not removing the hulls quickly enough (allowing hull juices to penetrate the shell), or inadequate drying. Proper processing eliminates most bitterness.
Harvesting your own black walnuts is a rewarding autumn ritual. By paying close attention to the signs on the tree and the ground, you’ll know exactly when to pick black walnuts for a bountiful, tasty yield. With a little patience and the right steps for hulling and drying, you’ll be enjoy your homegrown nuts in cookies, breads, and snacks all winter long.