Are you a fan of foraging for your own food?
If so, you may be interested in learning about the best time to pick wild hazelnuts.
These small but nutritious nuts can be found in various regions across North America, but knowing when they are ripe and ready to eat can be a bit tricky.
In this article, we’ll explore the different stages of hazelnut ripening, as well as tips for identifying and harvesting them sustainably.
So grab a basket and let’s head out into the woods to discover the delicious world of wild hazelnuts.
When To Pick Wild Hazelnuts
The timing of the wild hazelnut harvest can vary depending on the region and weather conditions. However, there are some general guidelines to follow when it comes to picking these tasty nuts.
Hazelnuts typically begin to ripen in late August and continue through October. Look for nuts that have fallen from the trees or are loose in their husks. If the clusters can be easily pulled from the bushes, they are likely ready to harvest.
It’s important to note that hazelnuts need to reach full maturity and dry out a bit before they are safe to eat. The papery outer covering will start to pull back from the nut when it’s ready. If you’re having trouble finding ripe nuts, you can pick them when they’re green and let them ripen in a warm, dry, dark place like an airing cupboard. Be sure to move them often and remove the hard outer shell before eating.
The Hazelnut Harvest: Understanding The Stages Of Ripening
The hazelnut harvest is a nuanced process that requires careful attention to the stages of ripening. Hazelnuts take about three to five years to mature and begin producing a harvest. The nuts typically mature in late summer through early fall, depending on the climate.
To determine if a hazelnut is ready to be harvested, look for signs of ripeness. The nut should be loose in its husk and the clusters should be easily pulled from the bushes. The papery outer covering of the nut will start to pull back from the nut when it’s ready.
It’s important to note that not all nuts on a given plant ripen at the same time, which can make it difficult to determine when to harvest. To avoid losing any nuts to squirrels and other nut thieves, some farmers may pick some of the nut clusters early. This can result in a drawn-out harvest season, which is in contrast with commercial growers who wait until the nut clusters are starting to abscise from the stems.
If you’re having trouble finding ripe nuts, you can pick them when they’re green and let them ripen in a warm, dry, dark place like an airing cupboard. However, be sure to move them often and remove the hard outer shell before eating.
Harvesting Hazelnuts Sustainably: Best Practices For Foragers
When foraging for wild hazelnuts, it’s important to do so sustainably to ensure that there are plenty of nuts left for wildlife and future harvests. Here are some best practices for foragers:
1. Know the Range: First, you need to know if hazelnuts grow in your area. American hazel ranges over most of eastern North America, while beaked hazel can be found in much of Canada, Minnesota, Wisconsin, northern Michigan, New York, all of New England, and pretty much the entire Appalachian Mountain Range. Once you know you are foraging within the range of one or both species and have learned the basics of identification, the key is to find bushes that produce a lot of nuts.
2. Look for Productive Bushes: The best producers are often found growing in sun-exposed clumps. Sunlight helps them bloom more profusely, and since fertilized female flowers develop into nuts, more flowers mean more nuts. Since hazel flowers are pollinated by wind, those growing in clumps can be easily pollinated by close neighbors. Look for highly productive bushes growing in clumps in sunny areas.
3. Leave Some Nuts: Squirrels love hazelnuts, so be sure to leave some for the animals. Foraging sustainably means taking only what you need and leaving plenty for wildlife and future harvests.
4. Don’t Damage the Bushes: When harvesting hazelnuts, be careful not to damage the bushes. Use a stick or your hands to gently remove the nuts from the branches without breaking them off. Avoid stepping on or damaging the surrounding vegetation.
5. Be Respectful: Foraging is a privilege, not a right. Be respectful of the plants and the land by not littering or damaging the environment. Follow any local regulations or guidelines regarding foraging.
By following these best practices, you can enjoy a sustainable and bountiful harvest of wild hazelnuts.
Cleaning And Storing Your Wild Hazelnut Harvest: Tips For Keeping Them Fresh
Once you have picked your wild hazelnuts, it’s important to properly clean and store them to keep them fresh. Here are some tips to help you do just that.
First, remove the nuts from their clusters and discard any that are unripe or damaged. You can do this by hand or with sterilized gardening shears. Be sure to leave a few clusters on the tree for wildlife to enjoy.
Next, place the nuts in a well-ventilated area for 2-3 weeks to dry out and turn brown. You can store them in a sack, crate, or net in your garage or another well-ventilated place. It’s important to keep them in an area where animals won’t eat them.
After the hazelnuts have dried, pluck them from the involucres. This should be easier now that they are dry. Empty the nuts from the sack or crate and pull them from the leaves. Then, place the separated nuts back into the sack or crate.
To increase their shelf life, you can store hazelnuts in the shell at room temperature for several months. If you prefer shelled nuts, eat them within a few weeks or store them in the refrigerator for up to a year.
If you want to roast hazelnuts, crack and lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake at 275°F. for 15 to 20 minutes. Be sure to watch them carefully so they don’t scorch.
In order to remove their skins, wrap warm hazelnuts in a kitchen towel and let them sit for 10 minutes. Rub off the skins in the towel.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your wild hazelnut harvest stays fresh and delicious for months to come.
Delicious Ways To Enjoy Your Wild Hazelnuts: Recipes And Ideas For Cooking And Snacking
Now that you’ve harvested your wild hazelnuts, it’s time to enjoy them! Here are some delicious ways to incorporate them into your cooking and snacking:
1. Roasted Hazelnuts: Roasting hazelnuts brings out their natural sweetness and nuttiness. Simply spread the nuts out on a baking sheet and roast at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until they’re golden brown. Once they’re cool, remove the skins by rubbing them in a towel or cloth napkin. Enjoy as a snack or use in recipes.
2. Hazelnut Butter: Hazelnut butter is a delicious alternative to peanut butter. Simply blend roasted hazelnuts in a food processor until they become a smooth butter. Add a pinch of salt and sweetener if desired.
3. Hazelnut Spread: Similar to Nutella, you can make your own hazelnut spread by blending roasted hazelnuts with cocoa powder, sugar, and oil until smooth.
4. Hazelnut Granola: Add chopped hazelnuts to your favorite granola recipe for a delicious crunch.
5. Hazelnut Crusted Chicken: Crushed hazelnuts make for a tasty and crunchy coating on chicken breasts. Dip the chicken in egg wash and then coat with crushed hazelnuts before baking or frying.
6. Hazelnut Salad: Add chopped hazelnuts to your favorite salad for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
7. Hazelnut Pesto: Swap out the traditional pine nuts in pesto for roasted hazelnuts for a delicious twist on the classic sauce.
No matter how you choose to enjoy your wild hazelnuts, they’re sure to add a delicious and nutritious element to your meals and snacks.