Walnuts taste bad....what gives?

[CAS_HNTR]

I have a friend that knows nothing about trees but finally figured out that he has a few walnuts on his property and asked me why they taste bad......apparently he picked them up sporadically throughout the fall and sampled them in various degrees of ripeness, all of which taste bad he says. Supposedly they have a "chemical" taste?

I told him the tree genetics could just be not very good for taste but I am sure there may be others on here that know more that me!

 

[T-Max]

Black walnuts have a very distinct taste that I find most people either love or hate. I can see where he is getting a "chemical" taste. I personally think that is just how they taste.

 

[Native Hunter]

You are correct that there can be some variation due to the tree genetics. Plant breeders propagate cultivars of walnuts like they do other nuts and fruits. However, my guess is that he just doesn't like the taste. As stated above, some people love the taste and other don't. Personally, I do like them. I eat walnuts frequently as a snack.

 

[dogghr]

First let me say I hate even the sight of a walnut. As a kid we were required to pick up hundreds of them each year and shuck and crack them for sale. If you've never spent quality time of your precious childhood doing such a task then you wouldn't understand my pent up frustration.
Anyways. Walnuts are very high in tannins which is found in other nuts in various amounts. Almonds have very low levels. If you want to remove the strong astringent taste, soak them in salt water for about 6 hours, rinse and dry. But let me tell you this, do you think there is a possibility in you know what of me soaking the damn things after dehusking and cracking them with my brown stained hands? Enjoy.

 

[Fish]

I like them in recipes, but not by themselves much.

 

[KDdid]

Walnuts always have a strong “green” taste until they are thoroughly dried down. I always husk, then dry them in a mesh bag for several months before cracking them. I’m liking them less as I get older, which is why I’m growing a few Carpathian, or English walnuts at home. They shell easier, and have a much milder taste.


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[DocHolladay]

I'm not a walnut fan either. Never have been. I'll eat them on occasion, but I don't go out of my way to buy them or pick them up in the woods. My favorite ice cream used to be pralines and caramel and I would spit the pralines out. lol. I don't eat fudge with nuts on it either. Don;t know why, but always been like that.