Can you eat walnuts straight from the tree?
Written by
Liu Xiaohui
Reviewed by
Prof. Charles Hartman, Ph.D.Once, I had to take a bite of a newly harvested English walnut, and due to its very high tannin content, I immediately spit it out. Raw walnuts need to go through curing to soften the bitterness. After shelling the nuts, hang the nuts in mesh bags to dry for about 14-21 days. Proper airflow prevents mold from growing on the nuts and the nuts will transform from a slick, harsh kernel into a wonderful buttery snack.
Cleaning & Husking
- Wear gloves to avoid tannin stains
- Soak green husks in water for 48 hours
- Scrub with stiff brush to remove debris
Drying Methods
- Spread nuts in single layers on screens
- Rotate daily for even airflow
- Target 10-12% moisture content
Curing Techniques
- Store dried nuts in burlap sacks for 6 weeks
- Check weekly for rancidity smells
- Cured kernels lose 60% of initial astringency
If you want to speed up the curing process, you can use a food dehydrator. Set the dehydrator to 95°F (35°C) and let it run for 72 hours. My countertop model will process approximately 5 pounds of fruit per day. You can test for seasoning by breaking a kernel, a properly cured piece will break in half cleanly. Anything that bends, means it still needs 24 more hours to cure properly.
Cured walnuts are best stored in Mylar bags with oxygen absorbers. Glass jars can be used for up to a few weeks but may also lead to pantry moths. If you have excess, you can freeze it with dated labels; my 2021 harvest still tastes great. Containers made from plastic are not recommended as they trap moisture and will quickly sour your nuts, even when stored in a cool cellar.
Read the full article: How to Grow Walnuts: 7 Essential Steps for Healthy Trees
