How to Ripen Hazelnuts

Hazelnuts keep up to two years if dried properly.

You can use your fall crop of hazelnuts for end-of-year holidays and even through the following year if you handle them correctly. Hazelnuts fall from the trees in early autumn. Harvest the nuts by shaking the tree gently to dislodge stragglers, then gather all the fallen nuts. Because hazelnuts are a favorite food of squirrels, deer and different birds, harvest them as soon as possible and take them inside to begin the drying process.

Things You'll Need

• Bowl
• Wire drying screen

Instructions

1. Fill a bowl with water and place the hazelnuts in it. Remove those that float -- the empty nuts -- and gather the remainder for drying.

2. Arrange the hazelnuts on a wire screen. Place the screen in a shady area with good circulation. A warm place above the fireplace is excellent, but the temperature should not exceed 110 degrees or the nut quality will diminish. Do not expose hazelnuts to direct sunshine.

3. Inspect the hazelnuts regularly as they dry, watching for change in color and texture. They are hard and white when harvested, then turn soft and spongy during the drying process. They are done drying when they are once again firm and cream-colored. The process should take between two and three days.

Tips & Warnings

• You also can dry hazelnuts in a mesh bag above a radiator, ensuring the temperature does not get too hot. Air circulation is critical.

• Store dried nuts in the refrigerator or freezer if possible. Alternatively, store in a cool room.

References

• Oregon State University: Extension Service Garden Hints
• University of Kentucky: Nut Tree Growing in Kentucky