Walnut tree

[hifi_dave]

I have a s*dding great Walnut tree, heaving with Walnuts. Usually, the squirrels get them but not this year - I guess the little perishers have copped it, so there is a bumper harvest.

What do I do with them ?

[struth]

Admit it... you hired an assasin named Aimie Hardwood. Of Blackadder fame she hates squirrels. Ive a bumper crop of plums this year.

[Firebottle]

Shell them and eat them. They are fabulous when they are fresh.

Or sell some of them, they are generally not cheap to buy.

Alan

[JohnJo]

Shell them, put them on top of coffee cakes with sticky coffee icing and buttercream in the middle then send to me would be an excellent way to use them up.

Waste not, want not :)

[Mark Grant]

Fresh green walnuts are lovely, pick them and eat them.

If you send me a kilo and I will swap you for a Yorkshire Turnip when they are ready :)

Walnuts trees don't grow up here, we have Rhubarb, Turnips and weeds.

[hifi_dave]

Thanks for the advice but how do I shell them ? The green outer sticks like glue and stains everything it comes into contact with. It doesn't peel off, so I used a knife to cut off a couple yesterday but what a mess. There must be an easier way.

Assuming I can get the outers off, do I eat them green or wait until they dry ?

A couple of years ago, I picked a batch and put them in boxes to dry off, hoping the outers would fall off but they just went mouldy.

[Mark Grant]

Here is one method:

XelrzS0qqyE

https://youtu.be/XelrzS0qqyE

[struth]

Here's How:

Check for ripeness.
Wait until nuts with split husks begin to appear on the ground in number. Then, break open a few sample nuts to check for ripeness. English walnuts are ready for harvest when the tissue between the kernel and the shell turns brown.


Gather the walnuts.
Once ready, you can harvest the nuts one of two ways: either gather them off of the ground as they fall, or shake the tree to dislodge them. The second option will certainly give you a leg up on the squirrels and bugs, who will be just as eager to claim the nuts. If you decide to go the tree-shaking route, spread an old blanket or sheet out under the tree first, so the nuts will be easy to find.

Remove the husks.
Pull the husks off to reveal the shelled nuts. (The husks should come off easily, if you're collecting the nuts at the right time.) Be sure to wear gloves for this step. The walnut tannins will stain your hands otherwise. Note: ​If the husks are black and difficult to remove, that's the work of walnut husks flies, who lay their eggs inside the husks. They don't harm the nuts, but they sure make removing the husks quite a big job.

Rinse.
Rinse the shells off with a high-powered hose to remove the tannins.

Inspect the quality.
Inspect the walnuts for cracked shells, and discard any that show signs of damage.

Dry the nuts.
Lay the nuts out on screen or rack, somewhere warm and dry, and allow them to air dry for two weeks.

Test for dryness.
Remove several nuts from their shell, and try to break them in half. If they break cleanly, the nuts are dry and ready to eat.


Tips:

For maximum freshness, always store walnuts in an air-tight container.
English walnuts will keep in the shell for several months. Store in a cool, dry place for best results.
Shelled nuts can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 6 months, and in the freezer for well over a year. Learn more about how to store nuts.
Invest in a good nut cracker. It'll save you a ton of work. I recommend the Texan York Nut Sheller.


Taken from an article

[hifi_dave]

Thank you for that comprehensive advice.

The squirrel has made an appearance. We haven't seen him once all year and now the Walnuts are ready - there he is.

So, if anyone wants to collect the Walnuts, they are FOC. I just want a bag full.

[Eagle owl]

Just eat a few every day Dave, they're very nutritional.