When we moved into our home, 7 years ago, we inherited this HUGE walnut tree filled with walnuts. We had never experienced walnuts in any other way than to buy them in the store, so this was a new experience. Andy improved his juggling skills, the kids found a great climbing tree, we and the neighbors have shade all day.
Something we noticed about those hardy nuts is, they're triple protected as they grow. The leaves on the walnut tree are large and plentiful. Not only are WE shaded but so are the walnuts as they nestle under those leaves. There is a green husk around the walnut that splits when it's time to harvest. We also found out that if you remove the husk with your bare hands, you have walnut colored hands for weeks! Then, after allowing the walnuts to dry for a week, the shell needs to be cracked to get to the meat.
Andy patiently gathers, shucks and cracks all the walnuts. It helps to have a good movie playing while cracking.
We like to vacuum seal the nuts to keep them fresh for a longer period of time. And besides, a walnut brick, with 5 cups of walnut halves, is kind of fun! So far, we have 23 bricks!
There you have the parable of the walnuts at OUR house.
So...if my neighbors don't want apricot jam, popcorn, OR grape jelly, maybe a walnut brick would be welcomed!
Have a wonderful, nutty day!
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