The nuts are ripe when the pods show dark colored lines on the inside when cracked open. Shake soil from the roots and hang the plants in the sun to dry for a few weeks. Shelter them from rain during this time, and then hang them in a shady, airy place to cure, which takes about two months. When the leaves are dry and crumbly, remove the nuts from the vines for roasting. Spread them on a cookie pan in a 350 degree oven, stirring often so they cook evenly. After about 15-20 minutes, check nuts to see if the brown skin slips off the nut. Remove and store cooled nuts in tight-lidded containers in your fridge or freezer. **DON'T TRY TO SAVE/EAT NUTS INSIDE MOLDY SHELLS - THEY MAY CONTAIN HARMFUL SUBSTANCES. |