What Can You Do With Black Walnuts

Black walnuts are incredibly versatile, and you can do a surprising number of things with them, from cooking and baking to crafting and even natural dyeing.
 
If you’ve ever stared at a pile of these tough-shelled nuts and wondered what you can do with black walnuts, you’re definitely not alone.
 
So, what can you do with black walnuts?
 
Quite a lot, actually, and once you crack that hard exterior, a whole world of possibilities opens up.
 
In this post, we’ll explore the many ways you can use black walnuts, including how to harvest and shell them, how to cook and bake with them, and some clever non-food uses that might surprise you.
 
Let’s get cracking.
 

What Can You Do With Black Walnuts?

You can do plenty with black walnuts, and it all starts with getting them out of their shells.
 
Black walnuts have a notoriously hard shell, much tougher than regular English walnuts, which is why many people avoid them.
 
But the reward is a rich, earthy, bold flavor that’s well worth the effort.
 
Here’s a breakdown of the best things you can do with black walnuts once you’ve harvested them.
 

1. Harvest and Shell Them for Fresh Nuts

One of the first things you can do with black walnuts is harvest them yourself in the fall.
 
Look for the green husks that have turned yellow or black and started to fall from the tree.
 
You’ll want to remove the husks quickly because they stain everything they touch, including your hands, so wear gloves.
 
After husking, wash the nuts and let them dry in a cool, ventilated area for a few weeks.
 
Then comes the hard part: cracking the shell, which usually requires a hammer, a vise, or a special black walnut cracker.
 
Once you’ve done that, you’ll have fresh black walnut kernels ready to use.
 

2. Cook and Bake With Black Walnuts

Another great thing you can do with black walnuts is use them in the kitchen.
 
Their bold, slightly fruity flavor makes them perfect for baking.
 
You can chop them up and add them to cookies, brownies, banana bread, or muffins for a crunchy, distinctive twist.
 
You can also sprinkle black walnuts over salads, oatmeal, or yogurt for a nutritious crunch.
 
Some people even make black walnut ice cream, which is a classic treat in certain parts of the country.
 
Just remember that black walnuts are strong, so a little goes a long way.
 

3. Make Black Walnut Tinctures and Extracts

You can also make tinctures and extracts with black walnuts, which is a lesser-known but very useful option.
 
The green husks, in particular, are traditionally used to make a black walnut tincture.
 
People soak the chopped husks in alcohol for several weeks to extract the beneficial compounds.
 
This tincture is often used in folk medicine for various purposes, though you should always consult a professional before using it medicinally.
 
You can also make a black walnut extract for baking by soaking the nuts in vodka or another neutral spirit.
 
It’s a great way to capture that intense flavor for later use.
 

4. Use Black Walnuts for Natural Dyeing

What can you do with black walnuts if you’re not into eating them?
 
You can use them to dye fabric, yarn, or even wood.
 
The hulls are packed with juglone, a natural compound that produces a rich, deep brown dye.
 
You simply simmer the husks in water, strain the liquid, and soak your material in it.
 
The longer you soak, the darker the color gets.
 
It’s a wonderful way to give new life to old clothes or create a rustic, natural look for crafts.
 

5. Repel Pests and Improve Soil

Believe it or not, you can even use black walnuts in the garden.
 
The same juglone that makes them great for dyeing also acts as a natural pest repellent.
 
Some gardeners scatter black walnut husks around plants to keep certain insects away.
 
You can also add the shells to your compost pile, though they break down slowly.
 
Just be careful, because juglone can be toxic to some plants, so it’s best to keep black walnut material away from sensitive garden beds.
 

Tips for Working With Black Walnuts

Working with black walnuts can be a bit messy, so here are a few tips to make the process easier.
 
Always wear gloves when handling the husks, as the stain is nearly impossible to wash off.
 
Crack the shells on a hard, stable surface, and use a nut pick to get the meat out in one piece.
 
Store shelled black walnuts in the freezer to keep them fresh for months.
 
And if you’re foraging, make sure you have permission before gathering from someone else’s tree.
 

So, What Can You Do With Black Walnuts?

You can do a whole lot with black walnuts, from baking them into your favorite treats to using them as a natural dye or even a pest repellent.
 
The key is to embrace the process, tough shells and all.
 
Whether you’re harvesting your own, cracking them open for a recipe, or getting creative with the husks, black walnuts are a truly versatile resource.
 
So next time you come across a black walnut tree, you’ll know exactly what you can do with black walnuts.