What To Do With Fallen Walnuts

Fallen walnuts can be put to good use instead of being left to rot or tossed in the trash.
 
If you’ve been wondering what to do with fallen walnuts after a windy autumn day, you’re in the right place.
 
These nuts are often perfectly good, and with a little effort, you can turn them into something useful.
 
In this post, we’ll explore practical ways to handle fallen walnuts, from harvesting and drying to eating and even crafting.
 
Let’s dive into what to do with fallen walnuts so you can make the most of your harvest.
 

What to Do With Fallen Walnuts: Start by Harvesting and Cleaning

The first step in figuring out what to do with fallen walnuts is to gather and clean them properly.
 
Fallen walnuts usually come with a green husk that turns black as it rots.
 
You’ll want to remove that husk, and there are a few ways to do it.
 

1. Remove the Husks Quickly

If you leave the husks on too long, they can stain your hands and the nut inside.
 
You can stomp on them with boots, use a hammer, or just rub them with gloved hands.
 
Once the husks are off, you’ll have the hard-shelled walnuts ready for the next step.
 

2. Rinse and Soak the Nuts

After husking, give your fallen walnuts a good rinse in a bucket of water.
 
Any nuts that float are likely empty or bad, so you can toss those out.
 
Good walnuts sink, and those are the ones worth keeping for whatever you plan to do with fallen walnuts.
 

3. Dry Them Thoroughly

Drying is crucial because damp walnuts will mold.
 
Spread them in a single layer on a screen or mesh in a warm, airy spot.
 
Let them cure for two to four weeks, turning them occasionally.
 
Once the shells are brittle and the nuts rattle inside, they’re ready for storage or use.
 

Creative Ways to Use Fallen Walnuts

Now that you’ve cleaned and dried them, here are some great options for what to do with fallen walnuts.
 

1. Crack and Eat Them

The most obvious thing to do with fallen walnuts is to eat them.
 
Fresh walnuts taste nuttier and richer than store-bought ones.
 
Use a nutcracker to shell them, then enjoy them raw or toasted.
 
You can also chop them for baking, salads, or oatmeal.
 

2. Make Walnut Butter or Oil

If you have a lot of fallen walnuts, consider blending them into homemade walnut butter.
 
Just roast the shelled nuts, then process them in a food processor until smooth.
 
You can also press them to extract walnut oil, which is great for dressings.
 

3. Use Them in Crafts and Dyes

The husks of fallen walnuts are full of tannins that make excellent natural dye.
 
Simmer the husks in water to create a rich brown dye for fabric or wood.
 
You can also use the empty shells for craft projects like decorative wreaths or mulch.
 

4. Feed Wildlife or Compost Them

If you don’t want to eat them, fallen walnuts can be left for squirrels and birds.
 
Just make sure they’re not moldy, as that can harm wildlife.
 
You can also compost walnut shells, but do so in moderation since they can slow decomposition.
 

5. Grow New Walnut Trees

If you’re patient, you can plant a few of your fallen walnuts to grow new trees.
 
Stratify them in a cold, moist place for a few months, then plant them in pots or directly in the ground.
 
It’s a long-term project, but a rewarding answer to what to do with fallen walnuts.
 

Common Mistakes to Avoid With Fallen Walnuts

Even with good intentions, some mistakes can ruin your efforts to use fallen walnuts.
 

1. Skipping the Drying Step

Rushing the drying process leads to moldy nuts that are unsafe to eat.
 
Always give them enough time to cure properly before storing.
 

2. Storing in Plastic Bags

Plastic traps moisture, which encourages mold.
 
Instead, store dried fallen walnuts in cloth bags or cardboard boxes in a cool, dark place.
 

3. Ignoring Signs of Spoilage

If a walnut smells rancid or has a shriveled, dark kernel, throw it out.
 
Eating spoiled walnuts can make you sick, so always check before using them.
 

So, What to Do With Fallen Walnuts?

Fallen walnuts can be harvested, cleaned, dried, and turned into food, crafts, or even new trees.
 
The key is to act quickly before they rot and to dry them thoroughly for safe storage.
 
Whether you eat them, dye with them, or feed the squirrels, you now have plenty of ideas for what to do with fallen walnuts.
 
So next time you see those green orbs on the ground, don’t ignore them—put them to good use.