Timing: The optimal time to harvest black walnut hulls is in the late summer or early fall, typically around September and October. This is when the hulls are fully developed and have reached their maximum potency. Waiting until this period allows the hulls to accumulate the beneficial compounds that make them valuable for medicinal use.

Harvesting:

Gather Fallen Hulls: It’s best to collect hulls that have naturally fallen from the tree. This minimizes damage to the tree and ensures that the hulls are fully mature. The hulls should be firm and well-developed, with a greenish-brown color.

Remove Nuts: Separate the hulls from the nuts. You’re interested in the hulls themselves, not the nuts inside.

Dry the Hulls: After collecting the hulls, spread them out in a single layer in a well-ventilated area that’s protected from direct sunlight and moisture. Allow the hulls to dry completely. This can take a few weeks or longer, depending on the humidity and temperature in your area.

Store Properly: Once the hulls are thoroughly dried, store them in airtight containers away from light and moisture. This will help preserve their medicinal properties. I would grind them and tincture them at this point.

Note of Caution: It’s important to note that black walnut hulls contain juglone, which can stain surfaces and is toxic to certain plants, including some garden crops. Be cautious when handling and disposing of the hulls to avoid staining surfaces or harming other plants. Obviously, it’d be a bad idea to put it in your compost.

Black Walnut (Juglans nigra)

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