Black walnuts are a delicious and nutritious treat, but their tough outer husks can make harvesting them a bit challenging. If you’ve ever wondered how do you husk black walnuts efficiently and without a mess, you’re in the right place! This guide will walk you through the best methods to remove the husks, avoid staining, and prepare your walnuts for cracking and enjoying.
What Are Black Walnuts and Why Husk Them?
Black walnuts aren’t true nuts in the botanical sense-they’re drupes, similar to peaches, where the edible walnut is the hard pit inside a fleshy outer husk. This outer husk is thick, green at first, and eventually turns black and gooey as it decomposes. Husk removal is essential because:
– The husk juice stains skin, clothes, concrete, and even the walnut shell itself.
– If left too long, the black juice can seep into the shell and spoil the nut’s flavor.
– Removing the husk quickly helps preserve the nutmeat’s quality and taste.
When to Husk Black Walnuts
Timing is everything when husking black walnuts. The best time is when the nuts have fallen to the ground and the husks have softened but not yet rotted. At this stage:
– The husks are green with yellow and black splotches.
– Some husks may start to crack open.
– The husks are easier to remove without making a mess.
If you wait too long, the husks turn into a sticky, black, oily mess that’s very hard to clean and stains everything it touches.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Husk Black Walnuts
1. Gather Your Tools and Prepare
– Wear rubber gloves to protect your hands from staining.
– Use old clothes or an apron.
– Have a bucket of water ready for washing.
– A sharp paring knife or a hammer/rock for tougher husks.
2. Remove the Husk
There are a few popular methods to remove the husk from black walnuts:
– Stomping Method: When the husks are soft enough, you can stomp on the walnuts right where they lie on the ground to break the husks. If the ground is soft, picking them up and tapping them against a tree trunk or rock also works. Then rub the husk off with your hands.
– Knife Method: Use a sharp paring knife to slice through the soft green hull in one smooth motion. Be careful not to press too hard to avoid dulling your knife. After slicing, twist the husk with both hands in opposite directions to pull it off.
– Hammer or Rock Method: For tougher husks, smash the hulls with a hammer, rock, or brick to break them up, then peel off the pieces with gloved hands.
– Mechanical Methods: Some people use a car tire to roll over the nuts or devices like cement mixers or corn shellers to hull walnuts in larger quantities. These methods can be effective but may be cumbersome for small batches.
3. Wash the Nuts
After husking, place the nuts in a bucket of water. Stir vigorously with a broom handle or stick to remove any remaining bits of husk and hull debris. Drain the water and inspect the nuts. Repeat washing if necessary to remove all residue.
Note: Do not compost the husks because they contain juglone, a substance toxic to many plants.
Tips to Avoid Staining and Mess
– Always wear gloves and old clothing.
– Husk the walnuts as soon as possible after harvesting.
– Work outside or in an area where stains won’t be a problem.
– Clean tools and surfaces immediately after use to prevent permanent stains.
After Husking: What’s Next?
Once husked and cleaned, the walnuts need to dry for a few weeks in a cool, dry place before cracking. Drying helps improve the flavor and makes the shells easier to crack open.
Black walnuts are a rewarding harvest, and with the right husking technique, you can enjoy their rich flavor without the hassle. Whether you stomp, slice, or smash, the key is to catch the nuts at the right time and protect yourself from stains.
Enjoy your black walnut harvest!
Husking black walnuts is easiest when the husks are softened but not rotten, using methods like stomping, slicing with a knife, or smashing with a hammer, followed by thorough washing to remove residue and prevent staining.