Black walnuts are a delicious, often overlooked treasure of the forest. With their distinct, robust flavour, they're worth the extra effort it takes to get into them! Here is your guide to how to crack black walnuts and how best to enjoy them.
How to Harvest Black Walnuts
Harvesting black walnuts is a simple process, but it requires a bit of timing and planning. The ideal time to gather them is in the early fall, usually from September through October, after they have fallen from the tree.
Timing: Look for naturally fallen walnuts. Do not pick them from the tree, as they are likely not fully ripe.
Collection: Wear gloves! The husks of black walnuts contain a strong, dark stain that can permanently discolour your hands, clothes, and even concrete.
Hulling: The first step is removing the thick, green or black husk. This is the messiest part. You can do this by stomping on them or using a special hulling tool. The goal is to separate the hull from the hard inner shell.
Washing and Curing: Once hulled, wash the nuts thoroughly with a hose to remove any remaining pulp. Then, spread them out in a single layer on a walnut cage in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area for two to three weeks to cure.
How to Crack Black Walnuts
The first step to cracking black walnuts is ensuring they have been properly prepped. Before cracking, you should;
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Clean the walnuts - Ensure all of the green husks are removed
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Leave to air dry for 2-3 weeks
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Soak in water for 24 hours to make the tough shells less brittle
Unlike their English counterparts, black walnut shells are extremely hard and require a heavy-duty approach. A standard nut cracker will not work; you will need a black walnut nut cracker for the job.
How to Eat a Black Walnut
Once you’ve successfully shelled your walnuts and removed the kernels, black walnuts offer a unique, potent flavour that is earthier and more intense than English walnuts. There are a couple of different ways to eat black walnuts, some of our favourites are;
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Raw: They can be eaten as a healthy snack straight out of the shell. A small handful is incredibly flavorful and filling.
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Baking: The strong flavour holds up well during baking. They are a classic addition to banana bread, carrot cake, and cookies. A popular favourite is black walnut fudge or ice cream.
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Savoury dishes: Use them as a crunchy topping for salads, or incorporate them into savoury dishes like stuffing, pesto, or as a garnish for roasted vegetables.
Top tip! If you’re not ready to enjoy your black walnuts straight away, shelled black walnuts can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for several months or in the freezer for up to a year.
If you have any questions about black walnuts or our products, get in touch with our helpful team today.
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