Walnuts

[Ann50]

I was wondering how is the best and easiest way to 'dehull' walnuts? Some of my friends said to run over them with a car to get the hull of but surely there is a better way? Our black walnut trees are loaded this fall. Thanks!!

[hillbilly_mom]

Put them in a gunny sack before you run over them with the car. That way they are easier to pick up. ;)

No other ideas of how to get those hulls off. They are tough little buggers.

[Smoky]

I use a bucket of water. Put the nuts in and leave for 3 days or till the hulls turn black and soft. Then stir with a stick (wear old clothes) till the hulls are broken and mixed in the water.
Now you have lots of good, permanent dye for woodstain, or fabrics. It will dye your fingers so wear rubber gloves when straining.
Soaking won't hurt the nuts, just scatter them on the ground and hose off and let dry before you crack out the nutmeats.

[Ann50]

Thanks so much for the help with the walnuts. I knew I could get help here. Will let you know how it works out.

[Mike_Forrest]

My backyard is full of walnuts.. can anyone tell me how long it takes for them to dry out before eating or how to tell when they are ready? Thanks!!

[tomato204]

When they are ripe and fall from the tree they're ready to shell and eat. A few may fall early due to stress or bugs. Here (z6 TN) they hang on the tree till about October, then fall.