The black walnut is one of six species of walnut trees found in the United States. Black walnuts are about 2/3 oil and contain high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids may decrease cholesterol and heart abnormalities, according to the Mayo Clinic. Black walnut trees, typically found in the Midwest, generally grow for about 200 years, according to the University of Minnesota. Drying and preparing black walnuts correctly is critical when harvesting. When harvested properly the black walnut has a bittersweet, earthy flavor. Walnuts generally ripen in the early fall.
Step 1
Feel the hull of the walnut. Press your thumb into it, and if you can make a dent, the walnut is ready for harvesting. The hulls generally change from a light green to a soft yellow color when ripe, according to Iowa State University's Horticulture and Home Pest News.
Step 2
Change into an old pair of clothing and don disposable gloves. Breaking and removing the hull causes discoloration and difficult-to-remove stains.
Step 3
Stomp on the hull with your shoe, or use a hammer to crack open the hull. A hard stone, corn sheller or a cement mixer also can remove the hull.
Step 4
Place the nuts into a bucket and thoroughly rinse the hull juice from the black walnuts. Repeat as often as necessary to ensure all the juices are rinsed well. Toss out all floating walnuts because these do not contain nut meat. Full nuts will sink to the bottom of the bucket.
Step 5
Spread nuts on a wire screen no more than two to three walnuts thick. Store in a cool, dry area for several weeks. Iowa State University recommends a storage shed or garage. You also can dry the nuts on newspaper or old bed sheets.
Step 6
Shake the walnut to see if it has properly dried. Listen for a rattle. If you hear the nut, the black walnut shell is ready for you to crack it.
Tips and Warnings
- Remove the hull immediately when it is ripe. Leaving the hull on the black walnut longer than necessary may transfer bitter juices and transfer color to the nut meat. If the hull juice does stain skin, the skin remains discolored for a several days. Black walnuts stay fresh for one year refrigerated and two years frozen.
Things You'll Need
- Walnut
- Old pair of clothes
- Disposable gloves
- Shoe, hammer, stone, corn sheller or cement mixer
- Wire screen, newspaper or old bed sheet
Member Comments