Polished black walnuts are a tasty and healthy snack that can be enjoyed at any time of the year. However, many people find the process of polishing them to be time-consuming and difficult. In this step-by-step guide, we will walk you through the process of polishing black walnuts so that you can enjoy this delicious treat in no time.
Step 1: Gather Your Materials
Before you start polishing your black walnuts, you will need to gather your materials. You will need:
- A large bowl or bucket
- A garden hose or faucet with a spray nozzle
- A sturdy brush or scrubber
- A towel or paper towels
- A nutcracker or hammer
Step 2: Collect Your Black Walnuts
Black walnuts are usually found in the fall, but they can be harvested throughout the winter. Look for black walnuts that have fallen to the ground, as they are usually easier to crack open than those that are still on the tree.
Step 3: Remove the Outer Hull
The outer hull of black walnuts is a tough, green, outer layer that needs to be removed before you can polish the nuts. To remove the hull, place the nuts in a large bucket or bowl and cover them with water. Let them soak for a few days until the hulls have softened and turned black.
Once the hulls have turned black, remove the nuts from the water and place them on a hard surface, such as a driveway or sidewalk. Use a sturdy brush or scrubber to remove the outer hull. Be sure to wear gloves, as the hulls can stain your hands.
Step 4: Wash the Nuts
After removing the hulls, wash the nuts thoroughly with a garden hose or faucet with a spray nozzle. Be sure to remove any remaining debris, such as leaves or dirt, from the nuts.
Step 5: Dry the Nuts
Once the nuts are clean, dry them with a towel or paper towels. Make sure they are completely dry before moving on to the next step.
Step 6: Crack Open the Nuts
Using a nutcracker or hammer, crack open the black walnuts to reveal the nut meat inside. Be careful not to crush the nut meat as you crack open the shell.
Step 7: Remove the Inner Skin
After cracking open the nuts, you will need to remove the inner skin that surrounds the nut meat. To do this, place the nut meat in a bowl of warm water and let it soak for a few minutes. The inner skin should start to loosen and peel away from the nut meat.
Step 8: Dry the Nut Meat
Once the inner skin has been removed, dry the nut meat with a towel or paper towels. Be sure to remove any remaining moisture from the nut meat.
Step 9: Polish the Nut Meat
To polish the black walnuts, you will need a rotary tumbler. A rotary tumbler is a machine that uses a rotating barrel to polish and smooth objects. You can find rotary tumblers at most craft stores or online.
Place the dried nut meat into the rotary tumbler and add polishing media. Polishing media is a mixture of abrasive materials that help to polish the nut meat. You can purchase polishing media at most craft stores or online.
Turn on the rotary tumbler and let it run for several hours, or until the nut meat has a polished and smooth surface. Be sure to check the nut meat every hour or so to ensure that it is not over-polished.
Step 10: Store the Polished Black Walnuts
After polishing the black walnuts, store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. They can be stored for up to a year.
In conclusion, polishing black walnuts can be a fun and rewarding process that results in a delicious and healthy snack. By following these step-by-step guidelines, you can easily polish black walnuts at home and enjoy them with family and friends. Whether you prefer to snack on them as is, add them to your favorite recipes, or gift them to others, polished black walnuts are a versatile and tasty treat that everyone can enjoy.