How Long To Soak Black Walnuts

You should soak black walnuts for about 2 to 3 weeks to properly cure them and get rid of that intense bitterness.
 
If you’ve been asking how long to soak black walnuts, the short answer is that black walnuts need a long soak, usually between 14 and 21 days, to mellow out their strong, earthy flavor.
 
Unlike English walnuts that you can just crack and eat, black walnuts require patience because their flavor is much more intense and tannic.
 
In this post, we’ll cover exactly how long to soak black walnuts, why soaking is necessary, and the best methods for soaking black walnuts so you end up with a delicious, usable nut.
 
Let’s dive in.
 

How Long to Soak Black Walnuts: The Full Answer

The question of how long to soak black walnuts comes up a lot because these nuts are notoriously bitter when eaten fresh.
 
Soaking black walnuts is a crucial step that takes time, but the payoff is worth it.
 
Here’s a breakdown of what to expect when you soak black walnuts.
 

1. The Standard Soak Time Is 2 to 3 Weeks

Most people who soak black walnuts do so for a minimum of two weeks and up to three weeks.
 
During this time, the tannins that cause bitterness slowly leach out into the water.
 
If you soak black walnuts for less than two weeks, you’ll likely still taste that harsh, astringent flavor.
 
So when someone asks how long to soak black walnuts, the safest answer is a full 14 to 21 days.
 

2. Why Black Walnuts Need Such a Long Soak

Black walnuts contain high levels of tannins, which are natural compounds that protect the nut in the wild.
 
These tannins are what make fresh black walnuts taste bitter and drying in your mouth.
 
When you soak black walnuts, you’re essentially drawing those tannins out of the nut meat and into the water.
 
This is why you need to change the water regularly during the soaking process.
 
If you don’t change the water, the tannins just sit there and the nuts won’t improve much.
 

3. How to Soak Black Walnuts Properly

To soak black walnuts, start by cracking the shells and removing the nut meats.
 
Place the shelled black walnuts in a glass jar or bowl and cover them with fresh water.
 
Put the container in the refrigerator to prevent mold or fermentation.
 
Every day, pour out the old water, rinse the black walnuts, and add fresh water.
 
This daily rinsing is key when you soak black walnuts because it removes the tannins that have leached out.
 
After two to three weeks of this routine, taste a nut to see if the bitterness is gone.
 
If it’s still too bitter, continue soaking black walnuts for another few days.
 

Factors That Affect How Long to Soak Black Walnuts

Not every batch of black walnuts is the same, so the exact soaking time can vary.
 
Here are a few things that influence how long to soak black walnuts.
 

1. The Freshness of the Nuts

Fresher black walnuts tend to have more tannins, so they may need the full three weeks.
 
Older, drier black walnuts might mellow out faster, sometimes in just 10 to 14 days.
 
So if you’re wondering how long to soak black walnuts from a fresh harvest, lean toward the longer end.
 

2. The Size of the Nut Pieces

Whole black walnut halves take longer to soak than smaller pieces.
 
If you chop or break the black walnuts into smaller chunks, the water can penetrate faster and leach out tannins more quickly.
 
In that case, you might only need to soak black walnuts for 10 to 14 days.
 

3. The Water Temperature

Some people soak black walnuts in warm water to speed up the process, but this can encourage mold.
 
Cold water in the fridge is safer and still effective, though it takes the full two to three weeks.
 
If you want to soak black walnuts faster, change the water twice a day instead of once.
 

What to Do After You Soak Black Walnuts

Once you’ve finished soaking black walnuts, you need to dry them out before using or storing them.
 
Spread the soaked black walnuts on a baking sheet and pat them dry with paper towels.
 
Then, you can either use them right away in recipes or dehydrate them in the oven at a low temperature.
 
To store soaked and dried black walnuts, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer.
 
They’ll stay fresh for several months this way, and you can enjoy them in baking, salads, or just as a snack.
 

So, How Long to Soak Black Walnuts?

You should soak black walnuts for about 2 to 3 weeks to properly cure them and get rid of that intense bitterness.
 
If you’ve been asking how long to soak black walnuts, the short answer is that black walnuts need a long soak, usually between 14 and 21 days, to mellow out their strong, earthy flavor.
 
Certain factors like freshness, piece size, and water temperature can affect how long to soak black walnuts, so taste-test along the way.
 
Hope this post has helped you understand exactly how long to soak black walnuts and the best way to get those tannins out.