Debbie and many others asked me to address this topic. Pecans and other nuts should be harvested promptly after falling to the ground. This one practice will reduce the number of weevils returning to the ground.

Nuts should not lie on the ground for an extended period of time. Harvesting early increases the quality of the nut. Store the nuts in a dry and warm location to improve storage quality.

Harvesting the crop this year is somewhat different. Recent winds have made trees shed nuts early. This could be bad or good. Good because you beat the squirrels, bad because the nuts will never mature. I think for most the answer is good due to the fact the winds were late enough it was a matter of the nut drying down. Get out and pick up that crop – yes you will have to bend over. But it is a great time to relax and enjoy a great fall day without watching the clock.

Nuts which fell from the tree early will be high in moisture. They will need to be dried before storage. Dry nuts in single layers on elevated screens or fill mesh bags and hang them in well ventilated areas at room temperature. Within 4 or 5 weeks the nut meat inside should be ready to enjoy.

The problem here is the threat of mold. Molded nuts should not be eaten due to possible toxins. So the nuts must be dried properly. If you choose to use a dehydrator keep temperatures under 100 degrees. A standard oven is not recommended due to higher heat and no forced air movement.

Be sure shelled nuts are dry before storing. Refrigerating green wet shelled nuts will not prolong storage but rather end with rancid, spoiled nuts. Rancid nuts are unpleasantly bitter and they sometimes turn dark in color. Most nuts will absorb odor from other fruits or vegetables so protect them from these odors after they are shelled. This can be done by placing them in a zip lock bag before they are stored in the freezer.

So pick up some nuts and see if you can properly dry them. The answer to enjoying them is wait and see.