Hazelnuts, also known as filberts and cobnuts, are a delicious and nutritious snack that many of us enjoy.
But what happens if you can’t find any ripe nuts? Is it possible to pick them when they’re still green and ripen them at home?
In this article, we’ll explore the process of harvesting wild hazelnuts and how to ripen them at home. We’ll also provide some tips on how to forage sustainably and ensure that there are plenty of nuts left for wildlife.
So, whether you’re a seasoned forager or just starting out, read on to discover the secrets of ripening hazelnuts!
Will Hazelnuts Ripen If Picked Green
The short answer is yes, hazelnuts will ripen if picked green. In fact, many people choose to harvest the nuts early and ripen them at home to avoid losing them to foraging animals like squirrels.
According to the Arbor Day Foundation, hazelnut trees grow best in USDA plant hardiness zones 4 to 9, where they provide forage for wild creatures such as squirrels, deer, and grouse. The nuts ripen in late summer or autumn, but gathering them before foraging animals get to them can prove challenging.
To ripen hazelnuts at home, pick them when the husks are starting to brown in late August or early September. If the clusters can be pulled from the bushes easily, they are ready to harvest. If the husks are still green and moist at harvest time, they need to post-ripen 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.
Once the papery outer covering starts pulling back from the nut, the hazels are safe to eat. However, ready-to-eat nuts are tricky to track down, so you can pick them when they’re green and leave them to ripen in a warm, dry, dark place like an airing cupboard. Remember to move them often and remove the hard outer shell before eating.
Harvesting Hazelnuts: When To Pick Them
Harvesting hazelnuts at the right time is crucial to ensure that they are ripe and flavorful. American hazelnuts typically ripen in September or October, but the exact timing may vary depending on the weather and location. The nuts should start to turn brown, but the leaves around the nut should still be green. If you pick the nuts before this time, they won’t be ripe enough and won’t taste good.
To harvest hazelnuts, use a pair of sterilized gardening shears to cut the nut clusters from the tree. Target clusters with a large quantity of nuts, but remember to leave a couple of clusters on the tree so that the wildlife near you has something to eat. The nut clusters will grow back during the next growing season. Wipe the blades on your gardening shears with a rag saturated in rubbing alcohol before you cut the plant to prevent spreading disease.
If you wait for the hazelnuts to fall to the ground, there’s a good chance that animals will collect them first. After harvesting, leave the nuts in a well-ventilated area for 2-3 weeks to dry out and turn brown. Store them in a sack, crate, or net in your garage or another well-ventilated place.
Pluck the nuts from the involucres after they have dried out for 2-3 weeks. After the hazelnuts dry, it’ll be easier to separate the nuts from the leaves. Empty the nuts from the sack or crate, and pull the nuts from the leaves. Then, place the separated nuts back into the sack or crate.
Dry the hazelnuts in the sun for a week by keeping them in a safe place that receives direct sunlight. This will finish the drying out process. Remember to keep them in an area where they won’t be eaten by animals. After drying out, you can crack them or toast them in the oven. You can store the hazelnuts for up to 3 months in the refrigerator.
If you don’t have the time or space to grow your own hazelnuts, keep an eye on forest edges and stream banks for wild hazel shrubs. When collecting from trees growing in the wild, you want to pick them right off the tree when they are just beginning to turn brown, and let them finish ripening at home. If you wait for them to fully ripen and drop, they will most likely be eaten by wild animals before you can get your hands on them. Remember to always harvest sustainably, leaving the majority on each shrub intact for wildlife.
Can Green Hazelnuts Ripen At Home?
Green hazelnuts can ripen at home, and the process is simple to do. However, it does take time, and it must be done carefully to preserve the hazelnuts’ flavor and texture. Hazelnuts begin to ripen when the hazeltree leaves change color, usually in September and October, depending on the weather.
To ripen green hazelnuts at home, pick them when they are still green and let them finish ripening in a warm, dry, dark place like an airing cupboard. Remember to move them often and remove the hard outer shell before eating. Also, keep in mind that hazelnuts need to grow to full maturity and dry out a bit before they become edible for humans. Once the papery outer covering starts pulling back from the nut, the hazels are safe to eat.
It’s important to forage sustainably so that plenty of nuts are left for wildlife. If you don’t have the time or space to grow your own hazelnut trees, keep an eye on forest edges and stream banks for wild hazel shrubs. When collecting from trees growing in the wild, pick them right off the tree when they are just beginning to turn brown and let them finish ripening at home. Remember to always harvest sustainably, leaving the majority on each shrub intact for wildlife.
The Ripening Process: How To Store Hazelnuts
Storing hazelnuts properly is crucial to preserve their flavor and texture. After picking the nuts, they should be left to ripen for a week or two in a location with high humidity and adequate 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 location until completely dry.
Once the hazelnuts are fully ripe, they can be stored in their shells for a long time. In fact, hazelnuts can last up to 18 months in their shells if stored properly. To store hazelnuts, place them in an airtight container or plastic bag and keep them in a cool, dry place like a pantry or cupboard.
If you want to remove the skins before eating or roasting the hazelnuts, wrap warm hazelnuts in a kitchen towel and let them sit for 10 minutes. Rub off the skins gently in the towel. To roast the nuts, 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 after 10 minutes to avoid scorching.
It’s important to remember to forage sustainably when harvesting wild hazelnuts so that plenty of nuts are left for wildlife. If you don’t have the time or space to grow your own, keep an eye on forest edges and stream banks for wild hazel shrubs. When collecting from trees growing in the wild, remember to pick them right off the tree when they are just beginning to turn brown and leave the majority on each shrub intact for wildlife.
Tips For Sustainable Foraging And Wildlife Conservation
When foraging for hazelnuts, it is important to do so sustainably to ensure that plenty of nuts are left for wildlife. Here are some tips for sustainable foraging and wildlife conservation:
1. Only take what you need: When foraging for hazelnuts, only take what you need. Don’t take more than you can use or share with others. Leave some nuts behind for wildlife.
2. Harvest responsibly: When harvesting hazelnuts, be mindful of the environment around you. Don’t trample on other plants or disturb the soil. Use a tarp or rake to collect the nuts from the ground instead of shaking the tree or bush.
3. Respect private property: Hazelnut trees may grow on private property, so it is important to respect the landowner’s rights. Always ask for permission before foraging on private property.
4. Be aware of local regulations: Some areas may have regulations or restrictions on foraging for wild foods. Be sure to check local regulations before heading out to forage.
5. Plant your own hazelnut trees: If you enjoy hazelnuts, consider planting your own hazelnut trees. This can provide a sustainable source of nuts for you and your family, and also helps support wildlife by providing a food source.
By following these tips, you can enjoy the delicious taste of hazelnuts while also protecting the environment and supporting wildlife conservation efforts.
Hazelnuts In Culinary Delights: Recipes To Try
Hazelnuts are a versatile ingredient that can be used in both sweet and savory dishes, adding a rich, nutty flavor and texture. Here are some recipes to try with your freshly harvested hazelnuts:
1. Hazelnut Butter: Roast the hazelnuts in the oven until fragrant, then blend them in a food processor until smooth. Add a pinch of salt and a drizzle of honey for sweetness.
2. Hazelnut Crusted Chicken: Crush the hazelnuts and mix with breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and herbs. Coat chicken breasts in flour, dip in beaten egg, then coat in the hazelnut mixture before baking.
3. Hazelnut Chocolate Spread: Blend roasted hazelnuts with cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and coconut oil until smooth. Spread on toast or use as a dip for fruit.
4. Hazelnut Pesto: In a food processor, blend roasted hazelnuts with basil, garlic, parmesan cheese, and olive oil until smooth. Use as a sauce for pasta or as a spread for sandwiches.
5. Hazelnut Torte: Combine ground hazelnuts with sugar, eggs, and flour to make a rich, nutty cake. Top with whipped cream and fresh berries for a decadent dessert.
No matter how you choose to use them, hazelnuts are sure to add flavor and texture to any dish. So go ahead and experiment with these delicious recipes!