Now is the time of year when the black walnut trees in our area start dropping their nuts on the ground.  Don’t let them go to waste.

 Let the nuts fall to the ground on their own.  Crack the yellow-green outer husk using a hammer and remove the walnut inside.  (Green husks mean the nut isn't quite ripe yet.)  Let them dry for several days where the squirrels won't steal them.

 Wear gloves and an apron whenever you handle the nuts in the husk or they will stain your hands, clothes, shoes and skin.  I found that when you hit the green husk with a hammer, juice will fly everywhere so be careful.  The juice that comes out of the husk is used to create the stain that is used by furniture companies.  It is permanent.

 Don't use the husks in your compost.  They contain a compound that prevents some plants from growing – something called the allelopathic effect.

 Crack them like the English walnuts you buy in the store. 

 I think they are tastier than the English walnuts, or maybe it’s just that the nuts are fresher.  Either way, enjoy them.