When Are Hazelnuts Ready To Be Picked

Hazelnuts are ready to be picked when the husks begin to turn brown and the nuts inside can be easily removed from their papery shells.
 
This usually happens in late summer to early autumn, typically from August through October, depending on your specific climate and the variety of hazelnut tree you are growing.
 
If you’ve been wondering when are hazelnuts ready to be picked, the short answer is that you’re looking for a few key visual and tactile clues that signal full maturity.
 
In this post, we’ll break down exactly how to tell when are hazelnuts ready to be picked, the best methods for harvesting them, and what to do after you’ve gathered your crop.
 
Let’s dig into the details so you can enjoy the freshest, most flavorful hazelnuts right from your own trees.
 

How to Tell When Are Hazelnuts Ready to Be Picked

Knowing when are hazelnuts ready to be picked is all about paying attention to the husk and the nut itself.
 
The hazelnuts are ready to be picked when the husk, which starts out green and fleshy, turns a papery brown color and starts to split open slightly at the edges.
 
Here are the most reliable signs that your hazelnuts are ready to be picked:
 

1. The Husks Turn Brown and Papery

The first and most obvious sign that hazelnuts are ready to be picked is the change in the husk’s appearance.
 
When they are immature, the husks are green, plump, and tightly wrapped around the nut.
 
As the nuts mature, the husks dry out, turn a light brown or tan color, and feel brittle to the touch.
 
This browning process is your clearest indicator that the hazelnuts are ready to be picked and have reached their peak flavor.
 

2. The Nuts Rattle Inside the Husk

Once the hazelnuts are ready to be picked, the nut inside will have shrunk slightly as it dries, creating a small amount of space between the nut and the husk.
 
If you gently shake a cluster of hazelnuts, you can often hear a faint rattling sound.
 
This is a great auditory clue that the hazelnuts are ready to be picked and are fully mature.
 

3. The Shell Has Turned a Rich Brown Color

While the husk is drying, you can also peek inside to check the shell itself.
 
The hazelnuts are ready to be picked when the shell has turned from a pale, whitish-tan color to a deep, rich brown.
 
The shell should feel hard and solid, not soft or rubbery.
 
If you crack one open, the kernel inside should be plump, white, and creamy, with a slightly nutty aroma.
 

4. They Naturally Fall from the Tree

Sometimes, the hazelnuts are ready to be picked before you even get a chance to grab them.
 
Many hazelnut varieties will drop their mature nuts to the ground when they are fully ripe.
 
While you can certainly pick them up from the ground, it’s often better to harvest them directly from the tree just before they drop to avoid any risk of mold or insect damage.
 
If you see a steady trickle of nuts falling, that’s a clear signal that the remaining hazelnuts are ready to be picked soon.
 

The Best Time of Year for Harvesting Hazelnuts

The exact timing for when are hazelnuts ready to be picked can vary quite a bit based on your location and the weather that season.
 
Generally speaking, you can expect your hazelnuts to be ready to be picked from late August through October.
 
In warmer climates, the harvest often begins in late August or early September.
 
In cooler regions or at higher elevations, the hazelnuts may not be ready to be picked until late September or even October.
 
Keep a close eye on your trees starting in late summer and check them every few days.
 
Since not all nuts on a tree ripen at exactly the same time, you might find that the hazelnuts are ready to be picked in stages, allowing you to harvest them over a period of a week or two.
 

How to Pick Hazelnuts Properly

Once you’ve determined that your hazelnuts are ready to be picked, it’s time to gather them.
 
Here are a few tips for a smooth and efficient harvest:
 

1. Hand Picking for Small Trees

If you have a smaller hazelnut tree or shrub, the easiest method is to simply pick them by hand.
 
Gently twist or snip the clusters of nuts from the branches, being careful not to damage the twigs where next year’s growth will occur.
 
Because you know the hazelnuts are ready to be picked when the husks are brown, they should come off the branch with minimal effort.
 

2. Shaking the Tree for Larger Crops

For larger trees, you can lay a tarp or old sheet down on the ground beneath the canopy.
 
Then, gently shake the branches.
 
The ripe hazelnuts that are ready to be picked will fall easily onto your tarp.
 
This method is quick and efficient, allowing you to collect a large number of nuts at once.
 

3. Collecting Fallen Nuts

Don’t be afraid to pick up nuts that have already fallen to the ground.
 
As long as they haven’t been sitting there for days in wet conditions, they are often just as good as those picked from the tree.
 
Just be sure to collect them promptly so they don’t become a snack for squirrels or other wildlife.
 

What to Do After You Pick Your Hazelnuts

After you’ve determined that your hazelnuts are ready to be picked and have gathered them all, you need to process and store them properly.
 
Here’s what to do next:
 

1. Dry the Hazelnuts

Freshly picked hazelnuts have a high moisture content, so they need to be dried before storage.
 
Spread the nuts out in a single layer in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area.
 
Leave them for two to four weeks, stirring them occasionally.
 
When the nuts rattle inside their shells and the kernels are crisp, they are fully dry and ready for long-term storage.
 

2. Remove the Husks

Once dry, the papery husks should easily fall off or can be rubbed off by hand.
 
You can also place the nuts in a mesh bag and rub them together to remove any remaining husk debris.
 

3. Store in a Cool, Dry Place

Store your dried hazelnuts in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.
 
They will keep for several months this way.
 
For even longer storage, you can keep them in the refrigerator or freezer, where they will stay fresh for up to a year.
 

So, When Are Hazelnuts Ready to Be Picked?

Hazelnuts are ready to be picked when the outer husk turns brown and papery, the shell inside is hard and brown, and the nut rattles slightly when shaken.
 
This occurs in late summer to early autumn, typically between August and October.
 
By watching for these signs, you’ll know exactly when are hazelnuts ready to be picked for the best flavor and longest shelf life.
 
Just remember that your hazelnuts are ready to be picked at their peak, so check your trees frequently as the season progresses.
 
With a little patience and attention, you’ll be enjoying delicious, homegrown hazelnuts in no time.
 
Happy harvesting.