Can You Eat Walnuts From Your Own Trees?

Harvesting walnuts from your own trees can be a rewarding experience. However, the timing and process of collecting and preparing these nuts are crucial to ensure the best results. Let's explore how to do it effectively.

Collecting Green Walnuts

If you have young walnut trees in your garden, you might be tempted to start collecting right away. However, the green walnut fruits that fall early are not yet ripe. Typically, they are used for other purposes, such as compost or vinegar pickling. It's important to wait until the fruit is fully ripe before harvesting.

When the green outer husk opens, revealing the ripe walnut shell, it's time to collect them. Use gloves as the juice can stain your hands. Collect the shells and air them on a tray or suspended net in a covered area for about two weeks. This process allows them to dry and mature. Once they are dry, you can store them and crack open the outer shell to access the delicious kernels inside.

For a tree like the old English walnut in Martinborough, New Zealand, this process works well. Interestingly, Martinborough is famous for its Pinot Noir wine, which originates from Burgundy, France, specifically the Cote du Nuits, where walnut trees are also common.

Producing a Traditional Nocino

Walnuts aren't just for eating; they can also be used to create delicious homemade drinks. One classic recipe is Nocino, an Italian liqueur that has been enjoyed for centuries. Here’s how to make it:

Cut the green walnuts in half and place them in a glass jar. Next, cover the walnuts with 97% pure alcohol. If pure alcohol is not available, use overproof vodka. Add some cloves of garlic, the peel of lemon, and a few cinnamon sticks. Seal the jar and place it in a sunny window for at least 10 weeks. After the alcohol has steeped, strain the mixture and pour the liquid into bottles. Store the Nocino in a cool, dark place for use during the winter months.

To enjoy it, mix the Nocino with red wine and add honey. Warm the mixture slowly to enjoy the warmth and flavors it brings on a chilly evening.

Personal Experience and Financial Considerations

From personal experience, I once owned a giant walnut tree and collected its fruits. The process was time-consuming and labor-intensive. It took about two to three hours to work off the tough outer layer of rotten walnuts, and then another couple of hours to crack the nuts open. I ended up with about two cups of edible walnuts, which cost around two to three dollars an hour to harvest.

Considering the effort and the yields, it's often more practical to purchase walnuts ready to eat, especially if you plan to use them frequently. However, the joy and satisfaction of harvesting your own nuts can be a worthwhile experience.

Whether you're interested in making walnut drinks or simply enjoying the nuts themselves, cultivating your own walnut tree can be a rewarding endeavor. Just be sure to wait for the right time and follow the correct processes to ensure the best results.