Harvesting Black Walnuts

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 15, 2009

Now is a good time to harvest black walnuts, according to Bob Frazee, natural resources educator for University of Illinois Extension.

In general, the light colored black walnut kernels will have a milder flavor than the dark ones. If you prefer light colored kernels, Frazee recommends you hull the nuts as soon as they drop from the tree. Allowing the hulls to partially decompose before hulling causes a discoloration of the kernels.

When black walnuts are mature, their hulls will be thick and fleshy. They can be mashed and removed by hand, but using a mechanical device such as a corn sheller will make the job a lot easier. After hulling, wash the nuts thoroughly and spread them out, away from sunlight, to dry for two to three weeks. Then store in a cool, dry place.

Because the hard shell can make it difficult to remove the black walnut kernel, Frazee suggests "tempering" the kernels before the shell is cracked. To "temper" the black walnuts, soak the nuts in water for one to two hours, drain and then keep them in a closed container for 10 to 12 hours. The kernels will absorb enough moisture to become tough, yet will remain loose in the shell.

For more information about growing nut trees or harvesting nuts, visit the U of I Extension SI Gardening website at http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/regions/hort.