Store-bought … If you don’t want to crack all of the shells you have you can store the nuts up to a year. Style isn't the goal here. But for those willing to put in the effort, the reward of gathering and processing this native delicacy is well worth the time. Before you can eat or use the black walnut meat you must be able to also properly crack the shells, which can be challenging. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before serving with crackers, pita bread or vegetables. During periods of drought, your black walnut tree may drop its leaves. When a black walnut is ripe your must remove the nut shell from it’s husk. Cut the meat in half or place it in a food processor to puree or chop it for use as an additive in baking recipes. Wash the nuts in a small bucket full of cool water to remove any debris and juice after you've removed the husk. However mature nuts can be shaken from tree limbs or dislodged with a long pole. Learn which plants thrive in your Hardiness Zone with our new interactive map! If it’s not removed then the walnut meat can begin to mold. The husk is often soft and a green or brown color. The foliage of the tree typically develops into a rounded shape that spreads 60 to 80 feet. The best quality nutmeat is light in color and milder in flavor. On a recent trip to Allerton Park, I found myself dancing on walnuts. They have a tough hull or husk and a tough shell. Tony Bratsch, horticulture educator with University of Illinois Extension offers some tips for preparing walnuts. Unfilled nuts will float and should be removed. Proper gear is important in walnut handling. The black walnut grows well in a variety of conditions but performs best in open areas where the sun shines brightly throughout the day. Generally it is wise to wait with cracking them until you are ready to use them, though sometimes you will want a snack that is ready to eat right now. There are many ways to remove green or partially decomposed husks. The husk will slip off, but the shell will stay intact. Use a hammer to crack the nutshell to remove the meat. To me they are the difference between cream and skim milk, grouse and chicken, a wild strawberry and one of those gigantic ones grown on the coast of California. Plants that are suffering from juglone poisoning show stunted growth, wilting and yellowed leaves before eventually dying. Let fresh nut meat dry for up to two days before consuming or refrigerating. We love using toasted Black Walnuts as a robust topping to salads, steamed vegetables, and pasta. All Rights Reserved. Harvest black walnuts as soon as the outer husk softens, but is still green. You can eat the nut meat raw immediately after it is dry or store the meat in an airtight container to use for recipes. ©2020 University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | College of ACES |  Web Privacy Notice | EEO | Accessibility | Staff Login | myExtension, College of Agricultural Consumer & Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Black walnut meat can be used in cakes, stuffing for poultry, muffins and other items, although they work best in sweet recipes. If shells still seem brittle, soak them in hot tap water just before cracking. Transfer to a bowl, cover and refrigerate 4 to 6 hours. Hand-held nutcrackers seldom work. Maple Candied Walnuts. Toasting Black Walnuts makes the nuts crunchier, while adding texture and more flavor to just about any dish. Toast the walnuts in the oven for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. It seems to be a good year for nuts.

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