Preparation For The Season. What Is Needed For A Nut Orchard That Is Beginning To Bear Fruit

Preparing for the season is crucial for nut orchard owners, especially for those who are just starting to bear fruit. It’s not enough to simply get a harvest from your orchard, as it is important to preserve the quality of the nuts from the moment of collection until they are sold. This can only be achieved by following all the rules for collecting, washing, drying, and storing walnuts.
When harvesting your first crop by hand, you may be able to manage it easily. However, the yield will steadily increase every year, and soon it will become necessary to invest in automation or appropriate equipment. Tree shakers are used for harvesting, machines for cleaning walnuts from their green skin are used for washing, and industrial dryers are used for drying. The equipment comes in different capacities and performance levels for gardens of all sizes and yields.
Choosing the right equipment is crucial. One should consider the yield for the next few years to select equipment that will be relevant for this period and can handle the entire crop. It’s important to note that in an industrial walnut garden, equipment is essential, as, without it, one may lose the entire harvest.
Following the best practices for collecting and processing the harvest is crucial. After the walnuts have been collected, they need to be washed and cleaned of any debris. Once this is done, they need to be dried properly. If the walnuts are not dried quickly and adequately, they may develop mold or other harmful microorganisms that will make them unfit for consumption.
Proper storage of the nuts is also critical. Walnuts should be stored in a cool, dry place, preferably at a temperature of around 4-5°C, with a relative humidity of no more than 60%. This will help to preserve the nuts’ quality and prevent them from spoiling.
In conclusion, the success of a nut orchard depends on many factors, including the equipment used and the processes followed from harvesting to storage. By investing in the right equipment and following best practices, you can ensure that your nut orchard continues to bear fruit for years to come, providing a healthy and profitable crop.