Hazelnuts are a delicious and nutritious snack that many of us enjoy. But did you know that you can actually pick them when they’re still green?
While it may seem counterintuitive, harvesting hazelnuts before they fully ripen can actually be a smart move. Not only does it help you avoid competition with wildlife, but it also allows you to ripen the nuts at home, ensuring that they’re perfectly mature and ready to eat.
In this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of picking green hazelnuts, including when to do it, how to ripen them, and more. So grab a cup of coffee and settle in – it’s time to learn all about this tasty treat!
Can You Pick Green Hazelnuts
Yes, you can pick green hazelnuts! In fact, it’s a common practice among hazelnut enthusiasts who want to ensure that they get the best possible nuts.
When it comes to harvesting hazelnuts, timing is everything. Most ripe nuts are found in September and October, but if you wait until then to pick them, you’ll likely be competing with squirrels and other wildlife for the spoils.
By picking hazelnuts when they’re still green, you can avoid this competition and ripen the nuts at home. To do this, simply pick the nuts when they’re still attached to the tree and leave them in a warm, dry, dark place (like an airing cupboard) to ripen. Be sure to move them often and remove the hard outer shell before eating.
Why Pick Green Hazelnuts?
Picking green hazelnuts has several advantages. Firstly, it allows you to avoid the competition with wildlife for ripe nuts. By picking the nuts early, you can ensure that you get a good harvest before animals like squirrels and deer get to them.
Secondly, picking green hazelnuts gives you more control over the ripening process. You can ripen the nuts at home in a controlled environment, which allows you to preserve their flavor and texture. This is particularly important if you’re looking to use the nuts in recipes, as it ensures that they’re at their best when you come to use them.
Finally, picking green hazelnuts can be a fun activity in itself. It allows you to explore the outdoors and connect with nature, while also providing you with a delicious and nutritious snack. Plus, if you’re interested in folklore and traditions, hazel has been associated with magic and divination for centuries, making it a fascinating plant to learn about and engage with.
When To Harvest Green Hazelnuts
Harvesting green hazelnuts can be a bit tricky, but with the right timing and technique, you can enjoy delicious nuts without having to compete with wildlife. Hazelnuts typically ripen in late summer into autumn, but they can be harvested before they fall from the husks.
The best time to harvest green hazelnuts is when they are loose inside their frilled husks. This can happen when the husks are fully dried or still moist and green. If you tug on the nut clusters and they come off easily, then they are ready for harvest.
It’s important to check the nuts as you harvest them and throw away any with signs of damage or disease. Occasionally, hazelnuts from seed-grown shrubs may be difficult to remove from their husk, so it’s best to remove them by cracking the shell to remove the nut meat.
Once you’ve harvested your green hazelnuts, you’ll need to ripen them at home. To do this, place them in a warm, dry, dark place (like an airing cupboard) and move them often. This will help them ripen evenly and prevent mold from forming. Once the papery outer covering starts pulling back from the nut, the hazels are safe to eat.
Remember to forage sustainably so that plenty of nuts are left for wildlife. If you want a source of ripe nuts that are likely to be safer from hungry squirrels, consider buying your own hazel trees.
How To Identify Ripe Hazelnuts
Identifying ripe hazelnuts can be a bit tricky, but there are a few signs to look for. First, check the color of the nut. Hazelnuts should start to turn brown when they’re ripe, but the leaves around the nut should still be green. If the nuts are still green or too light in color, they’re not ripe enough and won’t taste good.
Another way to tell if hazelnuts are ripe is by checking the involucres, which are the leaves around the nuts. If the nut clusters come off easily when tugged, they are ready for harvest. If they don’t come off easily, it’s best to wait a bit longer.
It’s also important to check for signs of damage or disease as you harvest the nuts. Throw away any nuts that show any signs of these issues.
If you’re not sure whether hazelnuts are ripe or not, it’s best to err on the side of caution and wait a bit longer before harvesting them. Remember that hazelnuts can be harvested just as soon as they become loose in their husks, and that they will continue to ripen after being picked. So, if you’re unsure about whether your hazelnuts are ready, it’s better to wait a little longer than to pick them too soon.
How To Ripen Green Hazelnuts At Home
Ripening green hazelnuts at home is a simple process that requires a bit of patience and attention to detail. First, it’s important to pick the nuts when they’re still green but starting to mature. This is usually in late August or early September when the husks are starting to brown.
Once you’ve picked your green hazelnuts, you’ll need to find a warm, dry, dark place to ripen them. An airing cupboard or a mesh bag placed in a clean, dry cupboard are both good options. It’s important to ensure that the location you choose has good airflow and bright, indirect light, as dark and damp conditions can compromise the quality of the nuts and cause them to rot.
To ripen the hazelnuts, spread them out in a single layer in a mesh bag or on a shallow tray. Turn them occasionally to ensure that every part of the nut is exposed to the air, which helps them ripen evenly. The post-harvest ripening process typically takes one to two weeks, but it’s important to keep an eye on the nuts and check for any signs of spoilage or mold.
Once the hazelnuts are fully ripe and have dried out a bit, the papery outer covering will start pulling back from the nut, indicating that they’re safe to eat. Remember to remove the hard outer shell before eating and forage sustainably so that plenty of nuts are left for wildlife.
Tips For Storing Hazelnuts
After harvesting and drying your hazelnuts, it’s important to store them properly to ensure their freshness and longevity. Here are some tips for storing hazelnuts:
1. Freezing or refrigerating: The best way to store hazelnuts is to freeze or refrigerate them. This will help to preserve their flavor and texture for a longer period of time. If you plan on using them within a few months, storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator should suffice. For longer-term storage, freeze them in airtight containers or freezer bags.
2. Room temperature storage: If you don’t have access to a refrigerator or freezer, you can store hazelnuts at room temperature. However, this method is less effective in preserving their freshness and flavor. Make sure to keep them in an airtight container away from direct sunlight and heat.
3. Shelled vs unshelled: Hazelnuts can be stored either shelled or unshelled. Shelled nuts should be consumed within a few weeks, while unshelled nuts can be stored for several months at room temperature.
4. Avoid moisture: Moisture is the enemy of hazelnuts, as it can cause them to spoil quickly. Make sure to keep them in a dry environment and avoid exposing them to any moisture.
5. Check for spoilage: Before using your stored hazelnuts, make sure to check for any signs of spoilage such as mold or an off smell. If they appear to be spoiled, discard them immediately.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your hazelnuts stay fresh and delicious for as long as possible.
Delicious Recipes To Try With Fresh Hazelnuts
Fresh hazelnuts are a versatile ingredient that can add a delicious nutty flavor to both sweet and savory dishes. Here are some recipe ideas to try with your freshly picked hazelnuts:
1. Hazelnut Butter: Similar to peanut butter, hazelnut butter is a tasty spread that can be used in sandwiches, on toast, or as a dip for fruit.
2. Hazelnut Liqueur: This simple recipe only takes minutes to prepare but results in a deliciously rich and smooth nut-flavored liqueur.
3. Hazelnut Cookies: Add chopped hazelnuts to your favorite cookie recipe for a crunchy and flavorful twist.
4. Hazelnut Crusted Fish: Crushed hazelnuts make for a delicious and crunchy coating for baked or fried fish.
5. Hazelnut Pesto: Swap out pine nuts for hazelnuts in your favorite pesto recipe for a unique and tasty twist.
6. Hazelnut Chocolate Spread: Mix roasted and ground hazelnuts with melted chocolate and a bit of sugar for a homemade version of Nutella.
Remember to remove the bitter skin from the hazelnuts before using them in recipes, as it can affect the taste and appearance of the final product. Enjoy experimenting with these recipes and incorporating fresh hazelnuts into your cooking!