Walnuts have numerous beneficial properties. For many, it is a source of protein and fatty essential oil, but not everyone knows what unique healing qualities the unripe fruit has. To get the most benefit from green walnuts, you need to know when the unripe fruits begin to be harvested.
When to Harvest Green Walnuts
Green walnuts have high rates of benefit when taken as part of infusions and decoctions. This occurs due to the properties of the components of the composition. Green fruits contain:
- ascorbic acid;
- vitamins;
- iodine;
- phytoncides;
- polyunsaturated fatty acids;
- tannin type substances.
The composition has several multidirectional effects on the human body. At the same time, nuts are collected only when they become sufficiently sprouted, but do not reach the consumer degree of ripeness. They are used as part of specially prepared products for the treatment of many diseases, and also as a prophylactic agent:
- to increase the body's defenses during cold seasons, during periods of rehabilitation after illnesses;
- to saturate the body with additional beneficial elements;
- to increase the regenerative abilities of cells and tissues;
- to normalize blood counts, have a beneficial effect on the general condition of the hematopoietic system.
The properties of green nuts are fully revealed at the half-development stage, when the peel has not yet become ossified and the flesh has a milky tint.
The main harvest of green walnuts occurs at the end of May and beginning of June. The flowering period begins in April-May, but the timing may shift. This depends on the climatic conditions of the growing regions. It is not recommended to focus on approximate dates, because under the green, non-ossified peel there may be ripe pulp.
Harvesting begins after checking the nuts for ripeness. It can cover periods from mid-May to mid-July. It depends on the type of fruit. There are 3 types based on varietal characteristics:
- Early. Flowering occurs in April, full ripening occurs in August.
- Mid-season. With September ripening.
- Late. Summer flowering leads to ripening in October.
How to determine fruit ripeness
In order not to rely on deadlines, which can be extended, which is directly dependent on varietal characteristics, the characteristics suitable for collecting green fruits are characterized:
- The green fruit is a smooth semi-oval, which can also be ovoid. The peel should be smooth, not cracked, without signs of damage.
- The pulp has a white, milky tint. The structure resembles coconut pulp.
Information! Green walnuts are not eaten raw. They are used to make infusions, decoctions, and jam, which have unique beneficial properties.
To determine the state of the green fruit suitable for collection, use a large thick needle or toothpick. The fruit is pierced and the point is observed to enter the center of the pulp. With easy entry and slight secretion of milky juice, it is concluded that green nuts are ready to be collected for the preparation of medicinal products.
If the peel has hardened in places and is covered with dark spots, this fruit is not used. It is on its way to consumer ripeness.
Storing Green Walnuts
Green nuts cannot be stored for long periods of time, but the beneficial properties of the fruit can be preserved even after processing. From green fruits they make:
- tinctures;
- decoctions;
- jam;
- compotes.
A mixture of green fruits and honey has beneficial properties. To do this, the nuts are washed, peeled, and crushed. Peeling nuts is associated with the production of essential oils by the peel, which leave dark, difficult-to-clean stains on the skin, so removing the pericarp is done with gloves.
Green fruits with honey are used to treat stomach diseases.To prepare, take about 500 grams of crushed pulp, pour in an equal amount of liquid honey and leave for 14 days without access to sunlight. In addition to honey, nuts are poured with sugar syrup cooked according to the 1:1 formula.
Jam is made from fruits with or without peel. Unshelled nuts are subjected to a double soaking procedure: first the fruits are soaked in cold water for 12 hours, then for 24 hours, with additional piercing in several places. If the bitterness does not go away, then they practice soaking in lime water. Then boil the nuts for 10 minutes and begin adding additional components.
Information! Bitterness occurs due to the high content of certain components on the surface of the peel.
To make the jam tasty, the nuts are soaked until the bitter taste disappears.
Peeled nuts are not soaked, but are immediately poured with sugar syrup and jam is made. Additional ingredients may include: lemon zest and juice, orange pulp. It depends on individual preferences.
Warning! When consuming walnut jam, it is necessary to take into account the increased iodine content.
Green fruits are rich in this element; after processing, its content decreases slightly.
Tinctures and decoctions are prepared from the peel, pulp or leaves. An alcoholic tincture is prepared from unpeeled nuts. Take 15 pieces, cut into several equal parts, pour in 0.5 liters of vodka. For the tincture, use a glass container to be able to evaluate the appearance of the liquid as it is prepared. At first the tincture is green in color and becomes dark as it infuses. The liquid is left for 14 days. After darkening, the tincture is ready for use.
Vodka tincture is often used for compresses. They help relieve joint pain, eliminate the consequences of injuries, and improve general condition.
Oil tincture is prepared from olive oil and unpeeled fruits. For 250 milliliters of oil take 5-6 nuts. They are cut, filled with oil and left for 40 days. This remedy eliminates the effects of burns, treats skin diseases and joint pain. Used for rubbing or compression bandages.
How long can you store
If we talk about shelf life, you should take into account the type of prepared product:
- Green fruits are not stored for more than 2-5 days. When cut, they begin to dry out and lose their beneficial properties.
- Fruit jam is stored on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator at a temperature of -4 to -2 degrees. Jam can retain its beneficial properties for a long time: from 6 months to 1 year.
- Tinctures are stored in the complete absence of direct sunlight for 4-6 months.
- Decoctions on leaves, peel or pulp can be stored for no more than 3 days.
- Oil tinctures are stored outside the refrigerator for 3-5 months.
- The product with nuts and honey retains its beneficial properties for 3 months.
All products prepared with green walnuts are taken with extreme caution if there are minimal contraindications. The fruits have a strong healing effect, so it is necessary to monitor the frequency of intake.
Thank you! Useful information!