Wait until black walnuts naturally fall from the tree
Wear gloves to protect your hands from the husks and staining
Collect the fallen nuts promptly from the ground
Remove the green outer husks as soon as possible
Discard any nuts with mold, soft spots, or insect damage
Rinse the nuts to remove dirt and debris
Spread the nuts in a single layer in a dry, well-ventilated area
Cure the nuts for several weeks until the shells are fully dry
Store the dried nuts in a cool, dry place
Crack and shell the nuts when ready to use