WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE FOREST?
This year it seemed that every tree was producing either fruit or nuts. Shagbark hickory are my favorite nut to harvest since they taste similar to pecans and are much easier to process than walnut. I first crack them, then boil the bits in water causing the nut-meats to rise to the top. The nut pieces are then scooped out and roasted. After roasting, I blend in a food-processor with maple syrup, and make some hickory butter; It’s darn good.
Ryan Trapani
Director of Forest Services
Catskill Forest Association