It’s the time of year when many residents of the Ozarks start picking up black walnuts – and a little extra income.
Starting in October, Hammons Products Co., of Stockton (now in its 68th year), will pay an all-time-high price of $14 per 100 pounds for black walnuts (after hulling) at more than 200 hulling stations in 11 states across the Midwest. Houston resident Kevin McGowen will once again run one of those stations adjacent to H & K Flea Market on U.S. 63 north from Oct. 1 through Nov. 3.
Black walnuts are an American tradition, for both the annual fall harvest and the bold-flavored nutmeats. The nuts grow wild across the Midwest and are hand-foraged before being bagged for Hammons.
October is National Black Walnut Month in celebration of the harvest and the array of foods enhanced by the nuts’ rich flavor, from ice cream and baked goods to savory fare and chef-inspired creations. Unlike regular walnuts, the American black walnut is a highly sustainable wild crop, grown without the need for orchards or chemicals. For recipes, log onto www.blackwalnutrecipes.com.
Hammons representative Tom Rutledge said the company buys an average of about 23½ million pounds of black walnuts per year. Rutledge said 31 million pounds were purchased last year but the company anticipates buying only about 20 million pounds this year.
McGowen said the Houston hulling station buys an average of about 250,000 pounds per year, but has had years as high as close to a half million and as low as about 180,000 pounds.
Hammons officials indicate the buying price could change later in October, so harvesters are encouraged to get the nuts in after they fall. To find other hulling sites, log onto www.black-walnuts.com or call 888-429-6887.
For more information about the Houston hulling station, call McGowen at 417-254-4067.