Hazelnuts may be small, but they pack a punch when it comes to flavor and nutrition.
And did you know that they grow right here in Minnesota?
With the Million Hazelnut Campaign underway, more and more farmers are taking a chance on these nut-bearing shrubs.
But when is the best time to harvest them?
In this article, we’ll explore the nuances of hazelnut harvesting in Minnesota, from finding the perfect location to determining ripeness and post-harvest treatment.
So grab a cup of coffee and let’s dive in!
When To Harvest Hazelnuts In Minnesota
Harvesting hazelnuts in Minnesota can be a tricky business. The timing of the harvest can vary from year to year, and even from one part of the state to another.
Generally, hazelnuts in Minnesota ripen from late August to early September. However, the exact timing can depend on factors such as rainfall and temperature.
One way to determine if hazelnuts are ready for harvest is to look at the husks. When the husks begin to dry and fade to brown, the nuts are ripe but not yet sought after by wild animals.
To confirm ripeness, peel open the husk and look for a browning nut that separates easily from the husk. If the nut is still firmly attached to the husk, it’s not yet ready for harvest.
Once you’ve determined that the nuts are ripe, it’s important to act quickly. Hazelnuts are a favorite food of animals such as chipmunks and mice, so they won’t last long once they’re ripe.
Strip the husks from the nuts within a couple of days and arrange them in a single layer to dry. It’s important to protect them from rodents during this time.
Raw wild hazelnuts don’t have much flavor, but roasting them brings out their characteristic hazelnut taste. Roast them for 30 to 35 minutes on a tray in the oven at 225 degrees. Roasted and stored properly, they will last for many months.
Choosing The Right Location For Hazelnut Trees
If you’re interested in growing your own hazelnut tree, choosing the right location is crucial for a successful harvest. Hazelnuts thrive in open sunny locations, so it’s important to choose a spot that receives plenty of sunlight throughout the day.
When planting hazelnut trees, it’s best to avoid shady locations as they may yield a harvest, but sun exposure enhances nut density. Look for an area with good drainage and fertile soil, as hazelnuts prefer well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.
If you live in Minnesota, it’s important to choose a spot that is protected from harsh winter winds. Hazelnut trees are hardy, but they can be damaged by strong winds and heavy snow loads.
American hazelnuts should be planted in open sunny locations, while beaked hazelnuts do well on the edges of forest openings and roadsides. The bristly nut clusters are usually tucked under the leaves at the tops of hazelnut bushes or near the ends of branches.
Hazelnut trees can be grown from seed, but it’s important to collect husks in August when both the husk and seed are golden brown. Place them in a cool area out of the sun and remove the husks and examine the nutlets. Discard seeds that have blemishes or holes. Hazelnut seeds are best sown in fall, about 1-1 1/2 inches deep.
If you don’t have the time or space to grow your own hazelnut tree, keep an eye on forest edges and stream banks for wild hazel shrubs. When collecting from trees growing in the wild, remember to always harvest sustainably, leaving the majority on each shrub intact for wildlife.
Understanding The Hazelnut Growing Season In Minnesota
The hazelnut growing season in Minnesota can be affected by various factors, including weather conditions and the location of the hazelnut bushes. Hazelnuts usually ripen from late August to early September, but this can vary depending on the amount of rainfall and temperature.
It’s important to keep an eye on the husks of the hazelnuts to determine when they are ready for harvest. When the husks start to dry and fade to brown, the nuts are ripe but not yet sought after by wild animals. Peeling open the husk and looking for a browning nut that separates easily from the husk is a good way to confirm ripeness.
Once you’ve confirmed that the nuts are ripe, it’s crucial to act quickly. Hazelnuts are a favorite food of animals like chipmunks and mice, so they won’t last long once they’re ripe. It’s recommended to strip the husks from the nuts within a couple of days and arrange them in a single layer to dry. This will discourage mold growth and protect them from rodents during this time.
It’s worth noting that hazelnuts grown in sunny locations tend to be denser, while those grown in shady areas may yield a smaller harvest. If you’re foraging for wild hazelnuts, it’s best to look for them on forest edges and stream banks.
Signs Of Hazelnut Ripeness And Readiness For Harvesting
Hazelnuts are ready for harvest when they have fallen from the trees or when they become loose in their husks. The timing of the harvest can vary depending on the region and the weather conditions. One way to determine if hazelnuts are ready for harvest is to look at the husks. When the husks start to dry and fade to brown, it’s a sign that the nuts are ripe.
To confirm ripeness, peel open the husk and check if the nut is browning and separates easily from the husk. If the nut is still firmly attached to the husk, it’s not yet ready for harvest. It’s important to act quickly once you’ve determined that the nuts are ripe because they won’t last long once they’re ready.
If the husks were still green and moist at harvest time, it’s recommended to 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.
It’s important to protect hazelnuts from animals such as chipmunks and mice during the drying process. Once dried, hazelnuts can be roasted to bring out their characteristic hazelnut taste. Roast them for 30 to 35 minutes on a tray in the oven at 225 degrees. Roasted and stored properly, they will last for many months.
Best Practices For Harvesting Hazelnuts In Minnesota
When it comes to harvesting hazelnuts in Minnesota, there are a few best practices to keep in mind:
1. Look for sunny locations: Hazelnut bushes bear nuts more prolifically in sunny locations, which can enhance nut density.
2. Check for rainfall and cluster size: Nut size improves when rainfall has been adequate, and the clusters contain smaller numbers of nuts (perhaps 3 or less).
3. Act quickly: Hazelnuts don’t last long once they’re ripe, and animals such as chipmunks and mice will be quick to snatch them up. Strip the husks from the nuts within a couple of days and arrange them in a single layer to dry, protecting them from rodents during this time.
4. Roast for flavor: Raw wild hazelnuts don’t have much flavor, but roasting them brings out their characteristic hazelnut taste. Roast them for 30 to 35 minutes on a tray in the oven at 225 degrees. Roasted and stored properly, they will last for many months.
5. Keep an eye on disease: Hazelnuts are susceptible to various diseases, so it’s important to practice good cultural practices such as planting in compatible soil, correct irrigation, and ensuring that plants have sufficient air circulation.
By following these best practices, you can ensure a successful hazelnut harvest in Minnesota.
Post-Harvest Treatment And Storage Of Hazelnuts.
After collecting hazelnuts, it’s important to properly dry and store them to ensure they last as long as possible. There are a few different methods for drying hazelnuts, depending on how quickly you want them to dry.
One option is to wait until the clusters are dry to remove the nuts from the bracts. Spread them out in a single layer on trays or screens in a warm, dry place out of the sun. Turn them every few days until the outer bracts are easy to remove. This should take about two to four weeks.
Another option is to use a dehydrator set to 90-105°F. This can speed up the drying process to just one or two days. However, it’s important not to over-dry them, as this can affect their flavor and texture.
Once the hazelnuts are dry, they can be stored in the shells at room temperature for several months. If you’ve shelled them, eat them within a few weeks or store them in the refrigerator for up to a year.
To increase their shelf life, it’s best to wait until just before use to process hazelnuts. This will help ensure they stay fresh and retain their flavor. Whether you’re eating them plain, adding them to salads, or using them in baked goods, properly harvested and stored hazelnuts are a delicious and nutritious addition to any diet.