Black Walnuts

Black walnut trees are slow growing trees from the eastern part of the United States. They are valuable as timber trees and for nut production. Black walnuts may be messy and hard to crack but are very nutritious. These nuts are often expensive and can be difficult to locate. Black walnuts are about two inches in diameter and shaped like basketballs. The husks change from solid green to a yellowish green as the nuts ripen.

To harvest black walnuts, wait for the black walnuts to fall in September or October. Gather the nuts with green husks in a bucket. Remove the husks from the black walnuts. You can do this by driving over them, stomping on them, or using a nut cracker. Be sure to wear gloves as the black walnuts leave stains. Clean the residue by soaking the nuts for a few minutes in a bucket of water. Spread the walnuts out to dry after they are washed. Allow two to three weeks to dry and cure before you crack the shells. Use a vise for the first opening crack and then a hammer to crack the smaller pieces of the shell. Shell the nuts, and store the meats in the refrigerator for two to three weeks or in the freezer for eight months or more. Due to the high level of oils they contain, shelled black walnuts turn rancid quickly if left unrefrigerated. Black walnuts can be stored unshelled in a cool, dark place for about two months before they begin to turn rancid.

I have a black walnut tree on my property and the walnuts make a mess in September when they drop. I recently discovered that they are edible. This is the first year I am able to utilize them. These nuts are tasty, good for baking, cooking or just eating as is.

Black walnuts all over the driveway:

As it turns out, black walnuts are very healthy and can be harvested. They can be used in many recipes. And, just maybe the driveway won't be such a mess after collecting them.

If you have a black walnut tree, you may want to try it out. Enjoy!