This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you click a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
You can remove worms from walnuts by freezing them, boiling them, or soaking them in salt water.
If you’ve been wondering how to remove worms from walnuts after finding those tiny holes and creepy crawlies in your harvest, you’re not alone.
It’s a common problem, especially for folks who gather walnuts from their backyard trees.
The good news is there are several simple methods to remove worms from walnuts so your nuts are safe to eat and store.
In this post, we’ll walk through the best ways to remove worms from walnuts, how to tell if walnuts have worms, and how to keep them from coming back.
Let’s dive in.
Why Walnuts Get Worms in the First Place
To understand how to remove worms from walnuts, it helps to know why they show up in the first place.
Those worms aren’t actually worms in the true sense.
They’re larvae, usually from the walnut husk fly or the codling moth.
These pests lay their eggs on or near developing walnuts.
When the eggs hatch, the larvae burrow inside the husk or shell to feed on the nut meat.
So when you crack open a walnut and see a little white worm crawling around, that’s the larval stage of one of these insects.
Knowing this helps because it tells you that removing worms from walnuts is really about killing off these larvae before they damage the nut completely.
How to Tell if Your Walnuts Have Worms
Before you learn how to remove worms from walnuts, you’ll want to confirm they’re actually there.
Here are the telltale signs:
1. Small Holes in the Shell
One of the easiest ways to spot worms in walnuts is to look for tiny holes in the shell.
These holes are where the larvae entered or exited the nut.
If you see a small, perfectly round hole, there’s a good chance a worm has been inside.
2. Black or Discolored Spots
Worms in walnuts often leave behind dark, discolored patches on the shell or husk.
This is usually a sign of damage and decay caused by the larvae feeding inside.
3. Hollow Sound When Tapped
Pick up a walnut and tap it against another one.
If it sounds hollow or unusually light, the nut meat inside may have been eaten away by worms.
4. Visible Larvae or Frass
Sometimes you’ll actually see the worm itself when you crack the walnut open.
Other times, you’ll find frass, which is the sawdust-like waste the larvae leave behind.
Either way, that’s a clear sign you need to remove worms from walnuts before eating them.
Methods to Remove Worms from Walnuts
Now for the good stuff.
Here are the most effective ways to remove worms from walnuts:
1. Freeze Them
Freezing is one of the simplest and most effective ways to remove worms from walnuts.
Just pop your walnuts in a sealed bag and toss them in the freezer for at least 24 to 48 hours.
The cold temperature kills the larvae and any eggs that might be hiding inside.
After freezing, you can crack the walnuts open and remove any remaining worms or debris.
This method works great because it doesn’t affect the taste or texture of the nuts.
2. Boil Them
Another reliable way to remove worms from walnuts is to boil them.
Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil and drop your walnuts in for about 5 to 10 minutes.
The heat kills the worms and helps loosen the husks if they’re still attached.
After boiling, drain the walnuts and let them dry completely before cracking them open.
Keep in mind that boiling can slightly change the texture, so it’s best for walnuts you plan to use in baking or cooking.
3. Soak in Salt Water
Soaking walnuts in salt water is a classic method for how to remove worms from walnuts.
Mix about a cup of salt into a gallon of water and let your walnuts soak for 24 hours.
The salt water forces the worms out of the shells and kills them.
After soaking, rinse the walnuts thoroughly and spread them out to dry.
This method is gentle and works well for walnuts you plan to eat raw.
4. Sort and Inspect
Sometimes the best way to remove worms from walnuts is simply to sort through them by hand.
Lay your walnuts out on a table and inspect each one for holes, discoloration, or other signs of damage.
Toss out any walnuts that look suspicious.
It takes a bit of time, but it’s a surefire way to weed out the bad ones.
How to Prevent Worms in Walnuts
Removing worms from walnuts is one thing, but preventing them in the first place is even better.
Here are a few tips to keep your walnuts worm-free:
1. Harvest Early
Pick your walnuts as soon as they’re ready.
The longer they sit on the tree or ground, the more time pests have to lay eggs and burrow inside.
2. Clean Up Fallen Nuts
Don’t leave old, rotting walnuts on the ground.
These attract pests and give them a place to breed.
Gather up fallen nuts and dispose of them properly.
3. Store Properly
Once you’ve removed worms from walnuts, store them in a cool, dry place.
Use airtight containers or bags to keep moisture and pests out.
You can also freeze them for long-term storage.
4. Inspect Regularly
Check your stored walnuts every few weeks for signs of worms.
If you spot any, remove the affected nuts right away to keep the infestation from spreading.
So, How Do You Remove Worms from Walnuts?
You can remove worms from walnuts by freezing them, boiling them, soaking them in salt water, or simply sorting through them by hand.
Whichever method you choose, the goal is the same: kill the larvae and get rid of any damaged nuts.
With a little effort, you can enjoy clean, worm-free walnuts all season long.
And remember, prevention is key.
Harvest early, clean up fallen nuts, and store your walnuts properly to keep worms from coming back.
Happy cracking!