Harvesting walnuts is quite rewarding and needs a lot of timing and attention. Knowing the time when the nuts are ready to pick—one that is fully developed and would keep well if stored—is what will give the best yields out of harvesting. This article explains all the essential elements of harvesting walnut trees, from assessing if walnuts are ready to pick to how it is appropriately done and storing them in a manner that preserves quality.

Walnut Development Understanding: Walnuts are a variety of tree (black walnut) nut that grows within a green husk. Over time, this husk begins to ripen and eventually opens, exposing a hard-shelled walnut inside. Timing is everything, as picking early results in underdeveloped nuts with no flavor or nutritional value. On the other hand, harvesting late may drop quality down due to exposure to elements or pests.

Walnut trees normally start bearing nuts seven to ten years after seeding but may vary according to climatic factors and varieties. The mature trees will be productive via pruning; therefore, knowing the time and manner of harvest for nuts is essential to attain the right quality and quantity.

When Are Walnuts Ready to Pick?

The deciduous time for harvesting walnuts mainly depends on the variety, climatic conditions, and growing conditions of the trees. However, there are general signs which tell one when to pick them.

Husk splitting is when the green husk that surrounds the nut of a walnut tree begins to crack open. This, however, takes place in late summer to early fall, depending upon your region and walnut tree variety. With the splitting of the green husk, you will notice the walnut shell; this means the nut inside is fully developed.

1. Nut Drop:

The other token of walnuts being ready for harvest is that the nuts start falling from the tree. In the process of drying, the husk opens completely and drops the nut down. Although some nuts could have been knocked off by wind or any other factor, a large number of fallen nuts should give an indication that your tree is ready for harvesting.

2. Color Change:

The color of the husk might also give cues regarding the walnuts’ readiness. As the nuts ripen, the green husk will gradually turn brown or black, more so in areas where it is split. This color change indicates that the nuts have reached almost full maturity.

3. Hardness of walnut shell:

Another important factor when picking walnuts is the hardness of the walnut shell. If it’s fully matured, then a walnut will have a hard shell that resists cracking by hand. If it’s soft or easily crushed, then it’s probably not yet fully developed and should be left on the tree to further mature.

How to Harvest Walnuts

If you have decided that your walnuts are ripe enough to pick, then it’s time to start harvesting. Correct methods of harvesting are necessary for maintaining the quality of the nuts and not causing any harm to the tree.

Gathering nuts that have fallen to the ground is a very easy way to start harvesting walnuts. Fallen nuts can either be gathered by raking or picking them with your hands. Both methods need great care not to damage the shells. Fallen nuts should be picked within a very short time, since staying long on the ground may make them go mouldy, bug-infested, or rotten.

1. Shake:

For the remaining nuts that have not fallen yet from the tree, you can drop them by gently shaking the branches. This technique is best to get the nuts that are there in the middle portion of the tree that have not fallen earlier. Be soft while shaking; excess force may break the branches or cause unripe nuts to fall.

2. Using a Pole:

If shaking the tree isn’t feasible, walnuts can then be loosened from the branches with the aid of a long pole or the specialized harvesting tool. With these tools, you should be able to get most nuts higher up in the tree, minimizing the risks of injury from climbing. As with shaking, be gentle to avoid damaging the tree.

Processing After Harvest

The walnut also requires additional processing after harvesting to have them prepared for storage. Processing involves removing the husks, cleaning the nuts, and drying them well to make them quite safe for storage.

1. Husk Removal:

If they have not burst open, you will need to remove them. Do this by squeezing the husk gently until it cracks open, and then finally, you get your walnut. Wearing gloves during this process is recommended since the husk can stain your hands.

2. Cleaning the Nuts:

The walnuts should be cleaned after removing the husks from them to eliminate any sort of debris or dirt. Put the nuts under running water, or dip them in a bucket of water and spread them on a clean surface, allowing them to dry.

3. Drying the Walnuts:

The walnuts need to be dried properly to prevent mold and allow them to be stored for a longer time. Place the cleaned walnuts out in a drying rack or any surface with ample air circulation. Ideally, nuts dry best in a warm, dry, shaded area such as a garage or a shed. The nuts may take several weeks to a month to get completely dry, depending on humidity and temperature. To check if the walnuts are now completely dry, crack one open; it should be firm and crispy but not rubbery.

Storing Walnuts

If walnuts were dried completely, they could be kept for months when stored properly. Here are a few of the guidelines used for storing your gathered walnuts:

1. Cool, Dry Storage:

Walnuts are to be stored in a cool, dry place to prevent their spoilage. Anything from pantries and cellars to just a simple refrigerator will do. Avoid storing walnuts in humid or warm areas where conditions give rise to mold or oils that become rancid.

2. Airtight Containers:

Walnuts will remain fresh if stored in airtight containers, such as glass jars or well-sealed plastic bags. The nuts are protected from moisture and other unwanted company.

3. Freezing Walnuts:

Walnuts can also be frozen for long-term storage in tight containers or freezer bags and stored for as long as one year inside the freezer. Freezing walnuts ensures that their flavor and nutrients are retained.

4. Checking for Spoilage:

Check your stored walnuts from time to time for any type of mold, a bad smell, or shriveled nut meat. If some show any signs of deterioration, remove and discard them to protect the rest of the batch from their action.

Conclusion

Timing the harvest correctly along with proper harvesting techniques are paramount for a huge and quality crop of walnuts. Observe the maturity signs of husk splitting or nut drop to find out the best picking time for your walnuts. Proper harvesting, processing, and storage will ensure that your walnuts are fresh and delicious months down the line. Here are some great tips to help both rookie and long-time walnut growers enjoy the fruit of their labors to the fullest.