The use of spoiled walnuts is harmful to the human body. Therefore, each batch of walnuts, especially those exported to the countries of the European Union, undergoes a thorough examination and must have phytosanitary and other documents confirming the quality and safety of the product.
The smallest problem with a spoiled walnut kernel is the bad taste. In the worst case, the walnut can be contaminated with aflatoxin, which is found in some types of mold.
What are the signs of a spoiled walnut?
1. Direct signs that may indicate a spoiled walnut include visual manifestations:
- dark spots or damage to the walnut shell;
- traces of mold, rot, or pests on the shell or inside the walnut;
- oiliness over the entire surface of the walnut kernel.
2. A spoiled walnut may have a foreign smell of dampness.
3. High walnut humidity outside the nut harvest season. This may mean that the walnut was not dried enough or deliberately soaked in water to increase weight. In such a wet nut, mold will quickly appear.
4. Too light weight of the walnut in the shell indicates that the walnut kernel has dried up.
The shelf life of a walnut in the shell is about a year, subject to temperature and humidity conditions.
The reasons for premature spoilage are:
1. Violation of the rules for washing and drying walnuts - insufficient peeling of the green peel of the walnut and improper or inadequate drying of the walnut.
2. Violation of storage rules - storage in a room that is too warm or humid, lack of air circulation, presence of mold in the room.
3. Placement the walnut near other products infected with mold or pests.
When buying a walnut, you need to carefully check the quality and at least visually inspect the walnut shell and kernel. If a walnut from your own garden has deteriorated, it is better to dispose of such a walnut, it should not be eaten.
In order not to experience problems with the walnut and not lose the harvest, you should study the rules for collecting, drying and storing the walnut, and in the season it is imperative to follow them.