The walnut kernel ripens and is saturated with useful microelements as much as possible when the partition changes color from white to brown. At the same time, the nut still hangs on the tree in the green pericarp. As it ages, the septum darkens, and the green peel separates itself from the nut. If a nut is in a green skin for a long time, iodine and juglone get on the nut and the kernel begins to darken, losing its quality and value on the market. To ensure the high quality of the kernel, to keep its light color, to prevent the damage to the fruit by diseases, the nut is harvested on time.
In other words, the ripening of the walnut occurs on the tree before the nut falls to the ground.
Sometimes people harvest the nut from the tree too early to start processing early or to make a quick buck. Such a nut does not receive all the necessary nutrients and, in the process of improper storage, the kernel shrinks and darkens. In order not to be mistaken and not to collect unripe nuts, wait until the green peel begins to crack and separate itself.
After harvesting, the green peel is removed from the walnut. Walnut peeling and cleaning machine are used on an industrial scale. At home, the peel is cut with a knife, the remnants of the pericarp are removed with a brush and the tannins are washed off with water so that they do not seep inside during the drying process and do not worsen the quality of the kernel. You need to peel a walnut with gloves to protect your hands from dyes – iodine and juglone, which are in the peel.
When harvesting walnuts, it is very important to harvest them daily so that the fruits do not spoil and are not taken away by rodents and birds.
Collecting walnuts is half the battle. It is important to dry it properly. The walnut peeled from the pericarp is placed in mesh bags in a warm, dry place with good air circulation or spread in a thin layer in a dry, ventilated place, it is possible outside in the shade. After two weeks, you need to crack some nuts. If the nuts break easily, dry, without mold or damage, then everything has been done correctly and they are ready for processing and consumption.
In large industrial plants, walnuts are dried in special drying equipment.
By its appearance, it is difficult to distinguish a ripe nut from an unripe one. This manifests itself during storage – an unripe nut deteriorates. In order not to miscalculate and not waste your energy in vain, pay attention to the signs of ripeness of the nut and do not rush to collect it before everyone else. Next, you should properly peel and dry the nut. All this will help to get a high quality kernel, and, as a result, make good money.