How To Pickle Walnuts

You can pickle walnuts by harvesting them while they’re still green and soft, before the shell hardens inside.
 
This old-fashioned preserving method turns unripe walnuts into a tangy, spiced treat that’s been enjoyed for generations.
 
If you’ve ever wondered how to pickle walnuts, the process is simpler than you might think, though it does take some patience.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through how to pickle walnuts step by step, from picking them at the right time to jarring the finished product.
 
Let’s dive in.
 

How to Pickle Walnuts: Getting Started

Learning how to pickle walnuts starts with knowing when and how to harvest them.
 

1. Pick Them at the Right Time

The best time to pickle walnuts is in early summer, usually late June to early July, depending on your climate.
 
At this stage, the walnuts are green, firm, and their shells haven’t formed yet.
 
You can tell they’re ready for pickling walnuts when you can pierce one easily with a needle or skewer.
 
If the shell inside has started to harden, it’s too late for pickling walnuts.
 

2. Wear Gloves and Old Clothes

Green walnuts contain juglone, a compound that stains your hands and fabric a deep brown that’s nearly impossible to wash out.
 
So before you start picking walnuts for pickling, grab a pair of rubber gloves and put on clothes you don’t mind ruining.
 
This is one of those things nobody tells you when you’re learning how to pickle walnuts, but you’ll thank yourself later.
 

3. Prick Each Walnut

Once you’ve gathered your green walnuts, prick each one several times with a fork or skewer.
 
This helps the brine penetrate the fruit so the pickling process works evenly.
 
It’s a bit tedious, but it’s an important step when you pickle walnuts at home.
 

How to Pickle Walnuts: The Brining Process

Now that your walnuts are prepped, the next stage of how to pickle walnuts involves soaking them in brine.
 

1. Soak in Salt Water

Place your pricked walnuts in a large bowl or bucket and cover them with a saltwater solution.
 
The traditional ratio is about 1 cup of salt to 1 gallon of water, though some recipes call for more.
 
Let them soak for 10 to 14 days, stirring or changing the brine every few days.
 
This step removes the bitterness and softens the walnuts so they’re pleasant to eat once you pickle walnuts.
 

2. Drain and Rinse Well

After the soaking period, drain the walnuts and rinse them thoroughly under cold running water.
 
At this point, the walnuts should be darker and noticeably softer.
 
If you’re wondering how to pickle walnuts without them turning out bitter, this rinsing step is key.
 

3. Simmer Until Tender

Cover the walnuts with fresh water and bring them to a boil, then simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes.
 
Test one by piercing it with a skewer; if it goes through easily, they’re ready.
 
Drain them again and let them cool while you prepare the pickling liquid.
 

How to Pickle Walnuts: Jarring and Flavoring

The final stage of how to pickle walnuts is all about flavor and preservation.
 

1. Make a Spiced Vinegar

In a saucepan, combine vinegar with sugar and your choice of spices.
 
Common picks include cinnamon sticks, cloves, black peppercorns, bay leaves, and a bit of ginger.
 
Bring the mixture to a boil, then simmer for a few minutes to let the flavors meld.
 
This spiced vinegar is what gives pickled walnuts their signature sweet-and-sour taste.
 

2. Pack the Jars

Sterilize your jars and pack the cooled walnuts into them, leaving about half an inch of headspace.
 
Pour the hot spiced vinegar over the walnuts, making sure they’re fully covered.
 
Tap the jars gently to release any air bubbles, then seal them tightly.
 

3. Let Them Mature

Here’s the hardest part of learning how to pickle walnuts: waiting.
 
The jars need to sit in a cool, dark place for at least 4 to 6 weeks before the walnuts are ready to eat.
 
Some people let them mature for several months, and the flavor only gets better with time.
 
Once opened, store your pickled walnuts in the fridge and enjoy them with cheese, cold meats, or straight from the jar.
 

So, How Do You Pickle Walnuts?

You pickle walnuts by harvesting them green in early summer, pricking and brining them, then simmering and jarring them in spiced vinegar.
 
It’s a slow process, but pickling walnuts rewards you with a unique, tangy treat that’s hard to find in stores.
 
So if you’ve got a walnut tree and a bit of patience, now you know how to pickle walnuts at home and enjoy them for months to come.