Do not use plastic bags for walnuts. A hanging, breathable onion bag is much better
In the autumn, ripe walnuts fall from the walnut trees, which need to be collected, dried and then stored properly. If the procedure is chosen correctly, they will last a long time in good quality, they can be stored at least until the next season.
Walnuts can be stored in their shells, in which case they are a durable preserve, or shelled and stored appropriately. Our grandmothers knew how to manage this valuable raw material from their own resources. All nuts are valued for their high content of substances important for our health and have an important place in our diet. Walnuts are also easily available in our country, and if you have a large ancestral tree in your garden, it is a great value that needs to be taken care of.
Harvesting and drying nuts
Storage mistakes usually follow mistakes made when collecting and drying nuts. The mistake is to leave nuts lying under the tree for a long time, especially in wet and rainy weather. Harvest them as soon as possible after they fall and dry them well. Drying unshelled nuts takes up to 3 weeks. The nuts must dry not only on the surface, but also inside the shell.
Common mistakes when storing nuts
When storing, follow the best practices and avoid the following mistakes:
- A humid and warm environment is not good for nuts. On the contrary, nuts need a dry, airy and cool environment.
- Storing them in crates or boxes directly on the ground will easily cause moisture to build up, and the nuts will easily start to mold. It is better to store them in an elevated place, such as in boxes with holes on a table or in onion bags hung in an airy place.
- Storing in plastic or other airtight bags or plastic boxes is also a mistake.
- Nuts are a great attraction for rodents, so protect them from them. Rodents must be prevented from accessing the nuts, otherwise they will spoil them.
How to store shelled nuts
You can shell nuts before storing them, then either store them in the freezer or can them. If you store them just in jars, expect the shelf life to be shorter. Insects can get into the nuts. They can gradually go rancid, especially if they are not refrigerated. They can also start to mold, as long as some are not dried out or have mold spores.
Walnuts are a treasure trove for our kitchen. Check out these delicious walnut dessert recipes.
