“Nuts About Black Walnuts” – Foraging for Wild Black Walnuts

For outdoor enthusiasts and foragers, the thrill of harvesting nature’s bounty is unmatched, and few embody this passion quite like a great acquaintance of mine Mr. JJ Reich, affectionately known as “Black Walnut Daddy.” His new book, a rich compilation of essays, dives deep into the art and joy of black walnut foraging—a pursuit that transforms a humble nut into a treasure trove of flavor, utility, and tradition. I’m excited to spotlight this unique guide that not only celebrates the rugged beauty of the outdoors but also equips readers with practical wisdom for their own foraging adventures. Whether you’re a seasoned harvester or a curious beginner, Reich’s insights offer a fresh perspective on connecting with the land.

Book Coverage on AllOutdoor

New Book! Nuts About Black Walnuts: A collection of essays about foraging for wild black walnuts.

Outdoor writer JJ Reich, known as “Black Walnut Daddy” on social media, happily takes black walnuts from the woods every fall and has been foraging and processing them for over 15 years. This comprehensive collection of essays is his take on how he does it. Learn from his experiences and advice on many aspects of the topic, from collecting to consuming this wild food source. His essays also provide insights into trees, nutmeat kernels, nutcrackers, other uses, the commercial industry, and why the hobby of harvesting nature’s most overlooked treasure is so rewarding.

I’d highly recommend JJ Reich’s Nuts About Black Walnuts as a must-read for anyone who finds joy in the wild’s simple pleasures, blending practical foraging tips with a passion that’s as infectious as it is inspiring. I think you will appreciate how Reich lifts up a niche hobby into a celebration of self-reliance and nature’s bounty – something I’ve actually experienced myself at a friend’s walnut farm as a child. You can grab a copy in paperback (144 pages, independently published, September 28, 2024) or as a Kindle eBook, included with a Kindle Unlimited membership, on Amazon. Early reviews on Amazon are glowing, with a 5.0-star rating from 24 readers, including humorous gems like one reviewer joking about the book’s “5,798 mentions of nuts” and Reich’s vivid descriptions of “washing his nuts,” making it a fun, engaging read for just about anyone.

Luke Cuenco

Luke Cuenco is a writer and content creator best known for his work in the outdoor and shooting sports industries. He has written and produced video for outlets such as The Firearm Blog (TFB), TFBTV, AllOutdoor, and OutdoorHub, covering topics that include new firearm releases, shooting gear, hunting equipment, and general outdoor lifestyle content. Through these platforms, Luke provides reviews, news updates, and hands-on insights, often with a focus on practical, real-world use of the products he features or objective data-based observations. Luke can be reached via his instagram @ballisticavitation