How walnuts bear fruit: after how many years, how to cut, when to harvest

When is the best time to collect

As soon as the harvest on the walnut tree is close to ripening, squirrels and a variety of birds begin to hunt for it. In order to prevent the loss of nuts, and at the same time preserve all the useful and nutritional properties in them, you should pay attention to the signs by which you can determine the right ripening phase:

cracked green shell;
woody foliage began to turn yellow;
a fully mature fruit has a hard light brown shell, and the kernel inside it should be moist and palpable by weight.

The type of nut grown is also important. Trees that bloom in spring ripen by the end of summer to mid-September, and June flowering nuts begin to ripen only by early October.

Benefits and harm to human health

Green walnuts are a storehouse of vitamins and nutrients necessary to improve and maintain human health. This explains their great popularity in traditional medicine. The content of vitamin C in unripe fruits is 50 times more than in citrus fruits, and 8 times more than in black currants - about 2500 mg.

It should be remembered that in mature fruits the reserves of ascorbic acid are significantly reduced, therefore it is important for traditional medicine recipes to collect them unripe. The key to good digestibility of ascorbic acid, which is contained in nut kernels, is the content of vitamin R. This vitamin is also a real panacea for those who smoke or abuse alcohol, are constantly exposed to stressful situations or are prone to neuroses.

Green nuts are the record holders for the content of iodine in their composition, therefore they are recommended to be consumed by everyone who suffers from iodine deficiency. The richness of the composition of nuts with glucose, starch, organic acids, phytoncides, carotenoids, quinines, essential and aromatic oils, trinoxynaphts, hydrojglons, tannins, coumarins, tannins, iron and calcium makes them real leaders among other plants.

Such a rich composition explains the beneficial properties of nuts:
elimination of inflammation in organs and tissues;
healing of erosions and ulcers of internal organs;
antiparasitic and antimicrobial effect;
increasing the body's resistance to radiation;
use as an antiseptic that promotes healing of wounds, cuts and microcracks in the skin;
preventing the development of atherosclerosis;
the ability to stop bleeding;
treatment of gastrointestinal diseases;
improvement of brain activity and activation of intellectual abilities;
elimination of diseases of the genitourinary organs and systems;
increased stress resistance, an obstacle to the development of mental disorders and neuroses;
improvement and strengthening of the cardiovascular system;
healing effect on the functioning of the kidneys, adrenal cortex and thyroid gland.

Before starting treatment with nut remedies, familiarize yourself with the harm a medicine prepared with young nuts can cause.

It is not recommended to turn to this folk method of combating diseases if a person has:
an increased level of iodine in the body (the nut tends to increase the amount of iodine);
individual intolerance to drugs based on nut fruits;
allergy to unripe walnuts.

Tinctures of unripe fruits based on vodka are categorically contraindicated for patients with gastritis, ulcers, psoriasis, neurodermatitis, raspberry, diathesis, Quincke's edema, as well as for problems with the pancreas.

How to dry walnuts

In fact, drying walnuts in the shell, at home, as usual, is not at all difficult, you just need to follow some simple rules. How to properly carry out this process in various proven ways, including in the oven and in an electric dryer, read on.

Outdoors

Drying nuts in the fresh air involves the gradual implementation of the following stages:

In sunny weather:

On a free area of the ground, you must spread any waterproof fabric, such as a tarp.
Further, the fruits, selected and peeled from the green film, are evenly laid out on the laid fabric, always in one layer.
Now the nuts need to be left to dry in the open sun for several days. Drying will take only 3-5 days in good weather.

This is the method that agronomists used for many years, until more modern methods appeared in the world. Its main disadvantage is the possibility of unexpected precipitation and a sharp drop in air temperature.

In room:

Walnut fruits can be dried even indoors without fear of adverse weather conditions. For this, as a rule, an attic is usually chosen:

The harvested crop is cleared of the pericarp.
Each nut is sorted by size and washed in cool water.
Then the raw materials are laid out on racks with a grate, which must be supplied with fresh air.

If the harvest of nuts is small, the entire collection can be dried in the apartment, after spreading newspapers on the floor. In this case, one should also not forget about the fresh air.

In the oven

Details on how dry and thoroughly roast the walnuts in the oven, looks like that:

The fruit, previously peeled from the green peel, must be sorted by size, washed and blotted from excess moisture with a clean towel.
Not forgetting at what temperature you need to dry the nuts (this is 40-45 ° C), select fruits of the same size, lay them out on a baking sheet and place them in the oven.
Drying should last no more than 3 hours, while the oven door should be slightly ajar.
After the appointed time, the temperature should be raised to 70 ° C and the nuts should be kept in the oven for about half an hour.
At the end of the process, hot foods must be removed from the oven and left in the air until they cool completely.

In an electric dryer

If there is a special device in the house - an electric dryer, the process of drying nuts is greatly simplified. But even here it is necessary to follow the instructions attached to the device and constantly pay attention to the degree of readiness of the products.

The procedure itself usually takes only 5 hours, but the number of fruits should be minimal, otherwise they will have to be dried in several approaches.

Peeling nuts

Depending on the variety, walnuts have different shell thicknesses. Fruits in a thin woody shell are much easier to split. Sometimes this can even be done with your hands, clenching two nuts in your fist. But most often you have to resort to using different tools and devices.

How to properly peel a nut from a green shell

If the peel of the nut is already cracked, it will not be difficult to remove it. It's another matter if the shell is dense, without a hint of cracking. In this case, you can use a knife.

This should be done with rubber gloves, since the juice escaping from the pulp of the walnut shell has strong pigment properties - the hands will acquire a dirty brown tint, which will not be easy to wash.

The juice of the green peel of walnuts has coloring properties and stains the hands a lot

Cut the nut shell right down to the shell so that a closed line forms. It is more convenient to do this along the "equatorial line".
Make a second cut, perpendicular to the first, this time going through the "poles" of the nut. It is important to cut through the entire thickness of the shell with a knife, touching the hard shell.
At this stage, the shell should already be divided into four approximately equal parts. Pry the edge of one of them with a knife and separate from the shell.
Do the same with the other three parts of the shell. It will be easier to do this.
Scrape off the remnants of the peel on the shell with a stiff brush. You can also use a metal scraper.

For quick cleaning of large quantities of nuts from green peels, it is convenient to use a special corn cob crushing machine, if possible.

Video: how to remove green peel from a nut

How and what to crack a nut

Several simple ways:

The easiest way to use a special device is a nutcracker. It is enough to insert the nut into a special hole and press the levers. Under the pressure of the metal, the shell will crack quickly.

Nutcracker - professional tool for cracking nuts
With the help of a knife, the tip of which is inserted into the bridge of the fruit, you can split the nut into two parts. The method is not complicated, but it requires caution when handling a sharp object.

Cracking a nut with a knife requires caution
Pliers and pliers are handy tools that act like a nutcracker.

Pliers can replace the nutcracker
The hammer will help you break the shell of the walnut easily. The method is simple, but it also requires caution. While holding the nut with your fingers, tap it lightly with a hammer to crack or split the shell. Then remove the kernel.

It is important to hit a nut with a hammer, not your fingers.
A cloth bag can be used with the hammer. Fold the nuts into it and tap them lightly with a hammer. The bag will hold the shell fragments and they will not fly in different directions.
But don't overdo it by hitting the bag too hard with the hammer. You can crack not only the shells, but also damage the kernels.

The cloth bag will collect all the fragments of the shell

If the nut is split into two halves, you can remove the edible part with a knife, inserting it between the kernel and the shell and lightly pressing, pushing out the contents.

Using a knife, you can get the kernel out of the shell

Storing walnuts at home

In the future, it is important to preserve the cooked products in such a way that they do not lose all their useful components and nutrients in the process. To do this, dry fruits are placed in baskets or mesh bags and stored darkened in a fairly cool place (for example, in a cellar). You can also freeze them. Under the right conditions, food will remain fresh for at least two years.

How to check readiness

To check the readiness of dried walnuts, you should split the shells of at least two fruits and check their kernels... If they are "rubbery" and wet, the rest of the nuts will need to be dried additionally. Otherwise, even with the right storage conditions, they can rot and become moldy. If the nucleoli have become fragile and have a thin skin, they are completely dry and ready for consumption or sale.

Did you know? High-quality activated carbon is made from burnt nutshells.

How to dry and store walnut kernels

You can dry walnut kernels in a simple and proven way. First, they need to be removed from the shell, thoroughly cleaned of films and dirt. You cannot rinse! The resulting whole pieces must then dry on trays for two or three days... You can also use the oven and dry the kernels at reduced temperature to the desired degree of doneness.

Read also Artificial rocks with your own hands

It is necessary to store dried nucleoli in tight sealed jars or canvas bags, in a dry, cool place. The shelf life should not exceed 12 weeks. Once a month, it is advisable to sort out the products and dry them again - this will prevent moldiness on them for a long time.

As you can see, there are many ways to cook walnuts. You just need to choose the most suitable one for you, and as a result you will get a high-quality and truly competitive product.

Autumn is the time to collect nuts. In our latitudes, walnuts are most common. They are well suited for preparing various dishes, pastries, desserts. But this is a very fruitful type of nuts. They usually cannot be used without the need for storage. To preserve a healthy product, you need to dry walnuts (in the oven, dryer, or just in the sun).

Recommendations

Here are some tips to help you achieve the best results and improve the quality of the finished product:

Before drying, be sure to sort out the nuts to select the highest quality and best ones. If the shell is damaged, pathogenic microorganisms can penetrate through it, so it is better to eat such specimens immediately and not store them. And if there are spots on the surface, then this signals a pest infestation, which could well have reached the kernel (and when dried, they will move to other nuts, spoiling most of the crop).
It is better to dry ripe nuts, but they should not stay on the ground for a long time, since high humidity is undesirable. Walnuts become fully ripe when the green shell covering the shell cracks on its own. If it is intact, then the process has not yet been completed.
It is best to store dried nuts in boxes, cardboard boxes or canvas bags for six months to a year. In any case, the container must be air permeable. And if it is in a non-residential area, then it is advisable to choose a closed one that provides protection from rodents.
Almonds and other nuts can be dried not only in the shell, but also without it. But remember that this method reduces the shelf life to two to three months, since the kernels are deprived of their natural defenses.
You should not increase the temperature when processing in a dryer or oven: in this case, the nuts will not dry out, but will practically roast and lose some of their useful properties.
To find out if the nuts are dry enough, crack one of them and try to break the kernel: if you can do this without effort, the process is complete. If the structure is dense, then the process should be continued.

By drying nuts correctly, you can not only extend their shelf life, but also get the most out of them and enjoy the taste.

Preparation for drying

The most important time is the first days after harvest, when the shell dries up. The main condition is dry weather. No need for excessive heat. On the contrary, coolness is advisable, since lower temperatures stop the growth of mold. For example, a nut that has fallen from a tree to a suitable place dries faster and is not attacked by a fungus as quickly as in the attic. For home drying, a draft is important, since a humid microclimate is created when the air is still.

Nuts cannot withstand fluctuations in heat and humidity. Another important factor is a clean surface on which the nuts dry. Do not place soft substrates under them. They retain moisture, becoming a breeding ground for putrefactive bacteria.It is recommended to lay the nuts in one layer, not too close to each other. Dry them with periodic stirring to ensure uniform drying.

When picking nuts in damp weather, when they are wet, covered with dirt, do not wash them with water. This will increase humidity - the main cause of mold and decay. Dry the nuts in the sun or in a ventilated area immediately after harvesting.

Important! Similar principles apply to drying pecans and other types.

Even if you're only drying your crop for the parrots, you need to remove any moldy or damaged nuts. This will prevent possible health complications in this decorative bird. When drying for your own use, discard any suspect nuts; even a millimeter of mold can ruin the entire crop.

Drying methods

You can dry walnuts both in the shell and peeled. Drying can be done in different ways: in the sun, in the oven, or in an electric dryer. It is important to carry out the process correctly, observing the temperature and dryness.

To check the readiness of the walnuts, crush the shells, check the kernels. If they are “rubbery,” wet, continue drying. If insufficiently dried, despite proper storage conditions, they can rot and mold. The fragility and thin skin of the kernels is evidence of readiness for storage.

In the oven

Drying walnuts in the oven is easy. The drying process consists of the following points:

Sort fruits pre-peeled from green peel, getting rid of damaged nuts.
Place them on a baking sheet. It is recommended to roast walnuts in the oven at a temperature of 40-45 ° C (they must be dried, not fried).
Dry for no longer than 3 hours, while leaving the oven door ajar.
Within 3 hours, the temperature should rise to about 70 ° C. Turn off the oven and leave the nuts on the baking sheet for another 30 minutes.
Remove the nuts from the oven and let them rest until they cool completely.

Important! If the drying temperature exceeds 45 ° C, the finished product may lose its taste.

In the sun

To ensure you have an adequate supply of nuts for the winter, use them to bake your Christmas cookies, don't underestimate drying them. You must first peel them, remove the green peel. The ideal drying method is to place freshly picked fruits on an air-permeable sieve in one layer. When folded in several layers, moisture collects between the nuts, creating conditions for the development of mold.

It is recommended to dry the nuts in a room with a medium temperature and adequate ventilation. In the absence of such a room, drying can be carried out outside. Only sunny days are suitable. Move the nuts indoors overnight. Autumn weather is variable, the quality of the harvest may deteriorate due to the negative effects of temperature fluctuations.

Place the sieve in the sun, protect from possible weather changes. Optimal drying conditions are in a warm, dry climate, ideally with a light breeze. Autumn sun is important for high-quality drying, especially in the first days of drying.

All nuts are susceptible to fungal infections. Therefore, regularly check their quality, throw away spoiled fruits. The entire sun drying process takes 4-6 weeks.

Important! Never place nuts directly on the ground! This will prevent moisture evaporation and mold growth.

In the dryer

If the previous procedure seems too complicated for you, use an electric fruit dryer. But drying nuts in a dryer will not speed up the process. Therefore, it is recommended to use the first 2 options (if possible).

The optimum temperature for drying nuts in the dryer is 25 ° C. The process is carried out in stages, it takes 3-4 weeks.Dry the nuts for about 6 hours a day, leave them to "rest" until the next day. Do this until the end of drying.

The negative nuance of the drying process in an electric dryer is not only temporary demand. Consider also the higher consumption of electricity.

Without shell

In addition to drying in-shell nuts, peeled kernels can be dried. Drying can be carried out both in the oven and in the fruit dryer. But when harvesting a peeled walnut, the process is not as long and complicated as when drying whole fruits. Another benefit of harvesting peeled kernels is the possibility of direct consumption or use for cooking.

Storage

There are two main options for storing walnuts. They can be stored both in the shell and peeled. Both options have their own advantages and disadvantages. The positive aspect of in-shell storage is the best protection against most pests (moths, flies, bugs). Also, nuts harvested in the shell can be stored longer. They are less prone to rancidity, retain their taste and aroma for a long time. But they must be consumed within 1.5 years.

Proper storage of inshell walnuts

Walnuts are selected for storage like apples. They must be carefully sorted out, the damaged fruits affected by the fungus must be thrown away. A spoiled nut can be identified by its expressive dark shell, the presence of cobwebs, and green mold.

Storage in a drawer

Get rid of well-peeled, dried nuts from unstable fruits. Pay attention to the remnants of green shells, dirt. They can lead to mold formation.

Place the processed nuts in a wooden box lined with paper. Store in a dry, dark place. The ideal storage room temperature is around 20 ° C.

Storage in bags

Pour the sorted, sorted nuts into mesh or cloth bags. Place them in a dry place. It is important that the nuts do not absorb moisture or deteriorate. Both high temperature and low temperature are inappropriate. Temperature fluctuations are even more undesirable.

Storage in salt

A proven, but more demanding, home storage option for walnuts is salt sprinkling. In glass jars, lay the nuts and salt mixed with dried shavings or sawdust in layers. In a cool dry room, nuts in salt can be stored all winter.

Proper storage of shelled walnuts

After drying the walnuts, peel the kernels, dry them on a sieve or newspaper on a radiator. This will ensure thorough drying, minimizing the risk of mold.

If you have dried already peeled fresh kernels, additional drying is not required.

Keep the kernels intact, do not grind them. This minimizes the risk of rancidity and keeps them fresh longer. They must be used within one year, regardless of the storage method. If this period is exceeded, there is a risk of damage to the product.

Important! Shelled walnuts have a different shelf life. Its duration depends on the environment in which they are formed. The ideal option is a dark, cool room. In the heat, the peeled kernels will quickly go rancid.

Dry rolling of walnuts - for several years

This method is used by many housewives. Dry rolling in cans allows you to keep the freshness of the peeled kernels for years. You can sterilize nuts in jars in a saucepan, oven, microwave.

Microwave sterilization:

Place the dried peeled kernels in clean, dry jars about 1 cm below the top edge.
Place the filled jar in the microwave.
Turn on minimum power.
After 3 minutes, remove, close the jar with a lid, turn upside down.
After cooling, transfer to a cool dry place.

Pot sterilization:

Fill the jar with walnut kernels.
Place a rag at the bottom of the pan, pour water.
Place the jars in the water. They must be completely submerged. To prevent floatation, place a suitable press on top (eg smaller heavy lid).
Bring to a boil, simmer for about 1.5 hours at about 80ºC.
Take out, turn upside down.
After cooling, transfer to a cool dry place.

Freezing - up to 1 year

The advantage of freezing is that at a constant temperature below 0ºC, walnut kernels do not change their appearance, taste or aroma. Also, frozen kernels can be processed, chopped, used for cooking without waiting for thawing. You can store both whole and chopped nuts in the freezer. Use a well-sealed plastic container or sturdy bag to fold the nuts. Do not forget to mark the date of freezing - they must be used within 12 months. After a while, they begin to lose their typical nutty flavor.

Refrigerated storage - up to 4 months

The simplest solution is to put the kernels in the refrigerator. In the cold, peeled nuts can be stored for 3-4 months. To avoid absorbing foreign odors, place them in an airtight container or use a sturdy plastic bag with a zipper.

Bank storage - for several weeks

This method is suitable if there are only a few peeled nuts left and you are sure to use them in the near future. Pour them into a paper bag, which you place in a clean, dry jar and close the lid. Place the jar in a cool, dry place. This will keep the nuts fresh and tasty for several weeks.

Storage in honey - up to 2 years

The last option is to pour the kernels with honey. This method is suitable for long-term storage. These canned nuts have a different use than conventional dried nuts. They can be consumed directly with honey, used for baking sweets.

Mix walnut kernels with honey (1: 1), heat the mixture over low heat, pour into jars.