Why do in-shell walnuts sell out before kernel?
We regret to inform our customers that we have officially sold out of in-shell walnuts for the 2024 season. We always strive to meet the demand for our products, but selecting and preparing in-shell walnuts requires a careful process. As a result, only the best make the cut. Here’s a look at why our in-shell walnuts are so special — and why they’re in such high demand.
Why Only the Biggest, Cleanest Walnuts Make the Grade
When it comes to in-shell walnuts, size and appearance matter so the process of sorting and grading walnuts is highly selective. For the in-shell market, we prioritise the largest, cleanest, and most visually appealing nuts. These walnuts need to have a well-formed shell that’s free from cracks, so it can protect the kernel inside.
Any nut that’s too small or has discoloration on the shell is immediately excluded from the in-shell category. While we can’t guarantee that every in-shell nut has a perfect kernel inside, excluding any nuts that are blemished on the outside of the shell does help, as external marks can be a sign of walnut blight (which can can cause the kernel to darken and shrivel) or that the nut was on the ground for too long before being harvested (which can allow moisture inside).
What Happens to the Nuts That Don’t Make the Cut?
So, what happens to the walnuts that are too small, or have discoloured shells? Simple: we crack them open and sell them as kernel. They go through another quality assurance check after cracking, so if they do have any issues like kernel shrivel or discolouration, they are removed.
Why More Kernel Than In-Shell?
The sorting process means that a large number of high-quality nuts do not make it to the in-shell market, and cracking these walnuts means that nothing goes to waste. Even the kernel that doesn’t make the grade becomes high-quality pig feed!
So if you’re disappointed that you can’t get in-shell walnuts until next season, consider buying some kernel instead – you get the exact same product, with less work to open all your walnuts! And if you want to see how the cost of kernel compares with in-shell walnuts, check out our comparison. You might be surprised…
Looking Ahead
We understand that our in-shell walnuts are a popular choice, and we appreciate your patience. We look forward to having in-shell walnuts available again soon, but in the meantime, we invite you to enjoy our premium walnut kernels!
