Contents
- 1 Walnut Harvest
- 2 Harvest Time
- 3 Factors Affecting Harvest Time
- 4 Post-Harvest
- 5 Harvesting Methods
- 6 Walnut Harvesting Made Easy!
- 7 Oh hi there 👋It’s nice to meet you.
- 8 We are giving away the book "The One-Straw Revolution" by Masanobu Fukuoka - An Introduction to Natural Farming and Natural Living. Join us to stay updated with our new articles.
- 9 Oh hi there 👋It’s nice to meet you.
- 10 We are giving away the book "The One-Straw Revolution" by Masanobu Fukuoka - An Introduction to Natural Farming and Natural Living. Join us to stay updated with our new articles.
- 11
Walnut Harvest
Walnut harvest season is upon us! Time to gather those delicious nuts and enjoy the fruits (well, nuts) of your labor. But fear not, walnut enthusiast, because harvesting and caring for your walnuts doesn’t have to be a complex process. This guide will walk you through both processes, making sure you get the most out of your harvest.Walnut harvest is considered the period when both the inner nut and the green husk have reached maturity. Maturity is indicated when the thick husk cracks open and separates from the hard shell, and the green husk turns brown.
Harvest Time
- Inner nut: The stage when the packing tissue between the inner nut and the hard shell begins to turn brown.
- Green husk: Usually matures later than the inner nut.
Factors Affecting Harvest Time
- Climate: In cooler regions, fruits mature more slowly and over a longer period. In warmer regions, the inner nuts mature before the green husk splits.
- Cultivar: For example, cultivars such as Maraş 18, Sütyemez 1, Chandler, and Serr have light-colored inner kernels when harvested at the right time.
Post-Harvest
Harvested fruits should be collected as quickly as possible, green hulls removed, and fruits dried.
- Discoloration of the inner kernel occurs in fruits left in the sun or with the green hull for a long time.
Harvesting Methods
- Hand: Common in Turkey.
- Mechanical: The main branches or trunk of the tree is shaken with shakers, causing the fruits to fall to the ground.
Post-Harvest Care: Preparing Your Walnuts for Storage
Now that you have a pile of beautiful walnuts, it’s time to ensure they store well and are ready for enjoyment. Here’s what to do:
- Hull Removal: You can remove the hulls by hand using gloves, or by stomping on them with boots (wear thick socks for protection!). A machine huller can also be used for larger harvests.
- Drying is Essential: Spread the walnuts out in a single layer on a well-ventilated screen or mesh in a cool, dry place. Good air circulation is key to prevent mold growth. Depending on the humidity, drying can take a few weeks.
- Shelling (Optional): Once the walnuts are completely dry, you can shell them if you plan to use them right away. However, for longer storage, it’s best to keep them in their shells.
- Storage for Later Enjoyment: Store your shelled or unshelled walnuts in airtight containers in a cool, dark, and dry place. Properly dried walnuts can last for several months this way.
Bonus Tip: If you plan to use your walnuts for baking, consider freezing them after drying. This will help them retain their freshness and flavor for even longer.
Walnut Harvesting Made Easy!
With these simple steps, you can ensure a successful walnut harvest and enjoy the delicious rewards of your labor all year long. Remember, gentle handling and proper drying are key to maximizing your harvest and keeping your walnuts fresh. Now get out there and crack open a season of walnut enjoyment!
