Can I pick up pecans that are still green that the squirrels are dropping down and dry them out?

Question

I have so many pecans that are falling and I dont want them to be wasted. I HOPE THAT i CAN PUT THEM ON A TRAY TO DRY OUT.DOES ANYBODY KNOW IF THIS IS OK.

Answer 1

You can try it, of course, but I don't think any of them will be good. If they are "green", they are probably still in their husks, which means they are not mature, yet. When they mature, the husks turn brown and open up, and the pecans fall to the ground.

Answer 2

My brother has a yard with several Pecan trees. During the fall when they are dropping down from the trees - I gather a bag or two - and tear away the husk. Some of them have the husk already removed - so I just crack them open. The squirrels are to lazy to get all of them so there are plenty left for me. And for the most part - most of them are in good shape. all you got to do is go get 'em.

The green ones are not 'ripe' - so don't bother.

Best ones are the brown ones - the green ones will rot eventually.


J in Houston

Answer 3

No. The nut is not fully developed until the green husk splits. The nut meat will not be any good. If the green husks have opened, it may have developed enough to be OK.

If there are no adjoining limbs, you can protect you pecan trees by wrapping aluminum flashing around the trunk. Another method is shown at the site http://www.pecanworld.com/SQUIRREL.htm . It involves an electric fence.

Answer 4

They will not be palatable. If you can get rid of the squirrels, it would be better because they are really bad about wasting a pecan crop. Sorry.

Answer 5

Some may be good. You'll know when you open them.
Give them a month or so.

Do you know how the pros harvest them?
They have a machine with mechanical hands that grab the trunk and shake the tree, then gather the nuts.

Answer 6

If you don't mind worms?