As the leaves start to change color and the air turns crisp, it’s time to start thinking about harvesting hazelnuts.
These delicious nuts are a favorite of squirrels and other creatures, so it’s important to pick them at just the right time to avoid losing your crop.
But when exactly is the best time to harvest hazelnuts?
In this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of hazelnut harvesting, from when to pick them to how to store them for maximum freshness.
So grab a cup of coffee and settle in – it’s time to learn about picking hazelnuts before squirrels get to them!
When To Pick Hazelnuts Before Squirrels
Hazelnuts typically ripen from late summer into autumn, with most nuts being ready in September and October, depending on the weather. The nuts usually fall from the husks when fully ripe, but they can be harvested before they fall to avoid losing them to squirrels and other animals.
To determine when hazelnuts are ready for harvest, look for loose nuts inside their frilled husks. This can happen when the husks are fully dried or still moist and green. If the nut clusters come off easily when tugged, 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 they are best removed by cracking the shell to remove the nut meat.
If you wait until the nuts easily break from the husks, you may not get many nuts. It’s best to harvest as soon as the shells turn brown, even if the husks are still quite green. These prematurely picked nuts need to be brought into a rodent-proof building and spread on window screens to dry for a few days. Then, the husks can be removed and the nuts spread back out to continue to dry down. The drying process can take 2-3 weeks, and the nuts can then be kept in an airy storage bin for at least a year or longer.
The Hazelnut Harvesting Season
The hazelnut harvesting season typically lasts from late August through October when the nuts have fallen from the trees. Hazelnut bushes usually produce their first nuts in their fourth year, but they won’t come into full nut production until year nine or later.
To avoid losses to animal predation, it’s crucial to harvest hazelnuts as soon as they become loose in their husks. In some plants, this may occur when the husks are still green and moist, whereas in others, it may not be until they are brown and dry. If the clusters can be pulled from the bushes easily, they are ready to harvest.
If the husks were still green and moist at harvest time, the nuts need to post-ripen for a week or two in conditions of high humidity but with adequate light and air circulation. This is 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, hanging them in mesh onion bags, until completely dry.
It’s worth noting that hazelnuts can be harvested just as soon as they are loose inside their frilled husks, which can happen when the husks are fully dried or still moist and green. However, it’s important to check for signs of damage or disease and discard any nuts that don’t meet quality standards.
Signs That Hazelnuts Are Ready To Be Picked
To determine if hazelnuts are ready to be picked, look for signs that the nuts are fully mature and dry. The papery outer covering should start pulling back from the nut, indicating that it is safe to eat. Additionally, the nut clusters should come off easily when tugged, indicating that they are ready for harvest.
When harvesting hazelnuts, it’s important to check for loose nuts inside their frilled husks. If the nuts are difficult to remove from their husk, they may be best removed by cracking the shell to remove the nut meat. It’s also important to check the nuts as you harvest them and throw away any with signs of damage or disease.
It’s best to harvest hazelnuts as soon as the shells turn brown, even if the husks are still quite green. Waiting until the nuts easily break from the husks may result in a lower yield. After harvesting, the nuts should be brought into a rodent-proof building and spread on window screens to dry for a few days. Then, the husks can be removed and the nuts spread back out to continue to dry down, which can take 2-3 weeks. The dried hazelnuts can then be kept in an airy storage bin for at least a year or longer.
How To Properly Harvest Hazelnuts
To properly harvest hazelnuts, gather them either by pulling them off the shrub or snipping off the clusters with sharp pruning shears. Make the cut where the nut cluster attaches to the stem.
It’s recommended to place tarps under the trees to collect the nuts once they fall, or simply rake them into a pile. However, if you’re harvesting before they fall, be sure to check for loose nuts inside their frilled husks and remove any damaged or diseased nuts.
Once you’ve harvested the hazelnuts, bring them into a rodent-proof building and spread them on window screens to dry for a few days. Then, remove the husks and spread the nuts back out to continue drying for 2-3 weeks. Be sure to check on them periodically during this time.
After the hazelnuts are fully dried, store them in an airy storage bin for at least a year or longer. Waste baskets made of expanded metal with about 1/8″ openings work well for storage.
It’s important to note that hazelnuts can be difficult to remove from their husk, especially if they’re from seed-grown shrubs. In this case, cracking the shell to remove the nut meat is the best method of removal.
By following these tips for proper harvesting and storage, you can enjoy fresh hazelnuts for months to come without worrying about losing them to squirrels or other animals.
Protecting Your Hazelnut Crop From Squirrels And Other Pests
Squirrels and other pests can be a major problem for hazelnut growers, causing significant damage to the crop. Squirrels are known to be particularly fond of hazelnuts, and they can quickly strip trees of their nuts if left unchecked. To protect your hazelnut crop from these pests, there are several steps you can take.
One effective way to prevent squirrels from accessing your hazelnuts is to use netting or fencing around the trees. This can be especially useful for smaller trees that are more vulnerable to squirrel damage. It’s important to make sure the netting or fencing is secure and covers the entire tree, as squirrels are skilled climbers and can easily find their way through gaps.
Another option is to use live traps to catch squirrels and other pests. These traps can be baited with nuts or other food that will attract the animals. Once caught, the pests can be released in a safe location away from your hazelnut trees.
In addition to squirrels, there are several insect pests that can infest hazelnut orchards, including filbertworms, aphids, and leafrollers. To manage these pests, it’s important to monitor their populations and time pesticide applications effectively. This can involve direct observation of the pests on the plants or using traps baited with pheromones.
It’s also important to maintain good orchard hygiene by removing any fallen nuts or debris from around the trees. This can help reduce pest populations and prevent the spread of disease.
By taking these steps to protect your hazelnut crop from squirrels and other pests, you can ensure a successful harvest and maximize your yield.
Storing Hazelnuts For Maximum Freshness And Flavor
Once you have harvested your hazelnuts, it’s important to store them properly to maintain their freshness and flavor. The key to storing hazelnuts is to keep them dry and cool, away from direct sunlight and moisture.
First, remove any remaining husks or debris from the nuts. Then, spread them out in a single layer on a tray or baking sheet and let them air dry for a few days. This will help remove any excess moisture and prevent mold from forming.
Once the hazelnuts are completely dry, transfer them to an airtight container such as a glass jar or plastic container with a tight-fitting lid. Store the container in a cool, dark place such as a pantry or cupboard. You can also store them in the refrigerator or freezer for even longer shelf life, but make sure they are in an airtight container to prevent moisture from getting in.
It’s important to note that hazelnuts can absorb odors from other foods, so avoid storing them near strong-smelling foods such as onions or garlic. Also, be sure to label the container with the date of harvest or purchase so you can keep track of their freshness.
When you’re ready to use the hazelnuts, give them a quick rinse and roast them in the oven for 10-15 minutes at 350°F to enhance their flavor. You can also use them in baking recipes or grind them into nut butter for a delicious and nutritious spread.
By following these simple storage tips, you can enjoy the full flavor and freshness of your hazelnuts for months to come.
