Hazelnuts are a delicious and nutritious snack that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Whether you’re looking to harvest your own nuts or simply want to know when they’re at their peak for purchasing, it’s important to know how to tell when hazelnuts are ready to pick.
From the color of the husk to the ease of removing the nut from its shell, there are several factors to consider when determining if your hazelnuts are ripe and ready for picking.
In this article, we’ll explore the different signs that indicate when hazelnuts are ready to be harvested, as well as tips for ensuring a bountiful and sustainable harvest.
So grab a cup of coffee and let’s dive in!
How Do You Know When Hazelnuts Are Ready To Pick
Hazelnuts are typically ready to be picked in late summer through early fall, depending on your climate. The nuts will fall from the tree when they are fully ripe, but they can also be harvested before they fall from the husks. This is especially important in areas where squirrels or other creatures forage for nuts.
One of the first signs that hazelnuts are ready to be picked is the color of the husk. The husks will usually turn brown and dry out when the nuts are ripe, but in some plants, they may still be green and moist. If the clusters can be pulled from the bushes easily, they are ready to harvest.
Another way to tell if hazelnuts are ready to be picked is by checking the nut inside the husk. The nut should be loose and easy to remove from its shell. If it is difficult to remove, it may not be fully ripe yet.
It’s important to harvest hazelnuts just as soon as they become loose in their husks to avoid losses to animal predation. If you find that the husks were still green and moist at harvest time, you can post-ripen them for a week or two in conditions of high humidity but with adequate light and air circulation. If the husks were starting to turn brown at harvest time, they should be allowed to dry completely by spreading them out in a well-ventilated (but mouse-proof) location until completely dry.
Understanding The Hazelnut Harvesting Season
The hazelnut harvesting season typically ranges from late August through October, but it can vary depending on the climate and soil types. Poor soil and drought conditions can significantly alter when the hazelnuts are ready for picking. Therefore, it’s important to keep an eye on the falling nuts to determine the best time for harvest. Once the first hazelnuts have dropped from the tree limbs, it is time to pick the remaining ones.
It’s also important to note that hazelnut bushes will usually produce their first nuts in their fourth year, though they will not come into full nut production until year nine or later. This means that the amount of nuts harvested may increase over time as the plant matures.
When harvesting hazelnuts, it’s crucial to avoid losses to animal predation. Nuts should be harvested just as soon as they become loose in their husks. If you find that the husks were still green and moist at harvest time, you can post-ripen them for a week or two in conditions of high humidity but with adequate light and air circulation. This will help to avoid predation by squirrels. If the husks were starting to turn brown at harvest time, they should be allowed to dry completely by spreading them out in a well-ventilated (but mouse-proof) location until completely dry.
Checking The Color Of The Husk
One way to check if hazelnuts are ready to be picked is by examining the color of the husk. The husk will usually start to turn brown and dry out when the nuts are ripe, but it may still be green in some cases. To check the color of the husk, look for patches of brown or reddish-brown on the surface. This indicates that the nut is starting to mature and is almost ready for harvest.
It’s important to note that not all hazelnut varieties will have the same color changes in their husks. Some may have a more uniform color, while others may have a more mottled appearance. In these cases, it’s best to rely on other signs of ripeness, such as the looseness of the nut inside the husk.
When checking the color of the husk, also look for any signs of damage or disease. Hazelnuts that have been attacked by pests or fungi may have discolored or damaged husks. Avoid harvesting these nuts, as they may not be safe to consume.
Feeling For Firmness And Weight
In addition to checking the color of the husk and the looseness of the nut, you can also feel for firmness and weight to determine if hazelnuts are ready to be picked. Ripe hazelnuts should feel firm and heavy in your hand. If they feel soft or light, they may not be fully mature yet.
To test for firmness, gently squeeze the nut between your fingers. It should feel solid and not give easily to pressure. If it feels squishy or spongy, it may still need more time on the tree.
To test for weight, compare the nuts in your hand to ones that you know are not ripe yet. Ripe hazelnuts will feel noticeably heavier than unripe ones of the same size.
It’s important to note that hazelnuts will continue to ripen after they are harvested. So, if you’re unsure if a nut is fully ripe, it’s better to err on the side of caution and wait a little longer before picking it.
Testing Nut Removal From The Shell
Once you have harvested your hazelnuts, you will need to remove the nut from its shell before consuming or storing. The easiest way to do this is by cracking the shell with a nutcracker. However, before cracking open all of your hazelnuts, it’s important to test a few nuts to ensure that they are fully ripe.
To test the nut removal from the shell, take a few hazelnuts and try to remove the nut from the shell by hand. If the nut comes out easily and cleanly, it is fully ripe and ready to be cracked open. However, if the nut is difficult to remove or breaks apart, it may not be fully ripe yet and should be left to ripen for a few more days.
It’s important to note that hazelnuts that are not fully ripe may not taste as good and may have a lower nutritional value. Additionally, if the nuts are not fully ripe, they may not store as well and could become moldy or spoil more quickly.
Once you have tested a few nuts and confirmed that they are fully ripe, you can begin cracking open the rest of your hazelnuts. You can use a nutcracker or even a hammer and gently tap each nut until the shell cracks open. Be sure to store your hazelnuts in an airtight container in a cool, dry place to keep them fresh for as long as possible.
Tips For A Successful Hazelnut Harvest
1. Keep an eye on the falling nuts: One of the best ways to determine the hazelnut harvesting time is by watching the falling nuts. Once the first hazelnuts have dropped from the tree limbs, it is time to pick the remaining ones.
2. Check for maturity: Hazelnuts should be harvested when they are fully ripe. The nut inside the husk should be loose and easy to remove from its shell. If it is difficult to remove, it may not be fully ripe yet.
3. Look for brown and dry husks: The husks will usually turn brown and dry out when the nuts are ripe, but in some plants, they may still be green and moist. If the clusters can be pulled from the bushes easily, they are ready to harvest.
4. Post-ripen green and moist husks: If you find that the husks were still green and moist at harvest time, you can post-ripen them for a week or two in conditions of high humidity but with adequate light and air circulation.
5. Dry brown husks completely: If the husks were starting to turn brown at harvest time, they should be allowed to dry completely by spreading them out in a well-ventilated (but mouse-proof) location until completely dry.
6. Harvest sustainably: Always remember to harvest sustainably, leaving the majority of nuts on each shrub intact for wildlife.
By following these tips, you can have a successful hazelnut harvest and enjoy these delicious nuts in your favorite recipes.
Storing Hazelnuts For Longevity And Freshness
Once you have harvested your hazelnuts, it’s important to store them properly to ensure maximum freshness and longevity. One of the most important steps in storing hazelnuts is to dry them thoroughly. Even if the nuts feel dry to the touch, they will benefit from extended drying over a period of at least several weeks. This will reduce the water content of the nut and also improve the flavor.
To dry hazelnuts, you can use a collapsible mesh drying rack or hang them between two poles covered with mesh. Place the nuts in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated area where they won’t be eaten by animals. It’s also a good idea to wipe your gardening shears with rubbing alcohol before cutting the nuts to prevent disease spread.
Once the hazelnuts are dry, you can pluck them from the involucres and store them in a sack, crate, or net in a well-ventilated place like your garage. Keep in mind that hazelnuts are prone to going rancid due to their natural oils, so it’s important to store them properly. If you’re buying shelled hazelnuts, look for ones in a sealed container for maximum freshness.
To extend the shelf life of your hazelnuts, you can also freeze them. Place the nuts in an airtight container or bag and store them in the freezer for up to a year. When you’re ready to use them, simply thaw them out at room temperature.
By following these tips for storing hazelnuts, you can enjoy their delicious flavor and nutritional benefits throughout the year.