walnut tree

Naturenutz · #1 (**permalink**) 11-08-2010, 10:34 PM

Does anyone know what time of year walnuts are ready for picking.We have found a tree at our works that is covered in them.We did not realise they were walnuts until we found one half opened on the floor.At the moment they look like green plums.

Kayleigh · #2 (**permalink**) 11-08-2010, 10:36 PM

Usually Autumn I would say..some are really bitter though so dont bank on them being tasty..

Naturenutz · #3 (**permalink**) 11-08-2010, 10:39 PM

Thanks kayleigh,is the bitterness due to different varieties or anything in particular ? My mates got his hopes up for a bumper xmas nut chomp lol

Kayleigh · #4 (**permalink**) 11-08-2010, 10:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Naturenutz

Thanks kayleigh,is the bitterness due to different varieties or anything in particular ? My mates got his hopes up for a bumper xmas nut chomp lol

I have no idea only my son came home from his friends house with a bag full from her garden she said they didn't like them, no wonder they were so bitter..

Lemars · #5 (**permalink**) 11-08-2010, 11:00 PM

They'll tell you when they're ready. The green outer shell splits and pulls back, to reveal the recognisable nutshell inside and they start dropping from the tree. That should be about next month - or the beginning of October.
If you find they're OK when you shell them (no bugs have destroyed the nut itself - you can usually see a bore-hole in the point of the shell if anything has got in there) and the flesh inside is fresh, clean and not discoloured, they're usable. All I do is either store them for later in the shells, or open them; pop them in a high oven for 10 mins to make sure they'll keep, and put them in an air-tight container.

Naturenutz · #6 (**permalink**) 11-08-2010, 11:26 PM

Thanks kayleigh and lemars,ill keep an eye on them .Its the first walnut tree ive seen locally.Are they a native uk tree ?

Dorts · #7 (**permalink**) 11-08-2010, 11:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Naturenutz

Are they a native uk tree ?

No they are native to S. W. Europe, with most of our walnuts coming from France and Spain.

Of our English trees, if you can catch them just before the inner shell forms (in mid July), they are perfect for pickling. (Pickled Walnuts, one of lifes great treats!)

However, I have to say that English Walnuts can be very thin, dry and bitter compared to their French cousins. And therfore must be considered inferior.
Dorts.