Black walnut harvest in full swing : News : ConnectMidMissouri.com

Black walnut harvest in full swing

Posted: 10.14.2011 at 2:43 PM

Mark Slavit

Mark Slavit is the Columbia Bureau chief and the Mid-Missouri Traveler.

If you're looking for some extra cash, why not try your luck with black walnuts.

October is National Black Walnut month and one local company is paying anyone who wants to gather and sell them.

It's a good season for the nutty treats.

During National Black Walnut month, people harvest black walnuts all across the country. About 65% of the black walnuts bought by Hammons Products Company come from Missouri.

The Stockman-based company has nearly 200 buying stations throughout the state. Station operators pay about $12 for every 100 pounds of hulled black walnuts until the end of October.

The earlier you sell them, the more likely you'll get a high price.

“Thousands of people are involved with the harvest process, picking up the wild black walnuts that grow from trees and fall this time of the year. People just go out and just pick up the nuts in their yards and pastures,” Company Vice-President David Hammons said. “They bring them in; they sell them. It's cash laying on the ground. It's exciting.”

Hammons expects a big crop of black walnuts this year that could reach 25 million pounds. There was a small crop last year. Hammons wants to replenish his stock.

Black walnuts have a wilder taste than regular walnuts. They're becoming trendier these days as more professional chefs use them in more recipes. They also remain popular in standard cooking.
Hammons wants you to get cracking and bring him as many black walnuts as you can.

Click here for a list of buying stations.

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