Hello Julia,

Thanks for your question and the photo. The walnuts look ok to me, although the bottom right one looks a bit black. If the inside looks and smells good, then you should be ok.

It's understandable to be concerned about the safety of your walnuts, especially when it comes to mold. Generally, it's not recommended to eat moldy walnuts, and if you notice any visible mold on the outside of the walnuts or if they have an off smell, it's best to discard them. Mold is often caused by moisture and can develop quickly, especially if the walnuts were not dried properly after harvesting or storage.

As for the dip you've already made with walnuts, if those walnuts looked and smelled fine before you washed them and there was no visible mold on the inside, it might be safe to consume; however, caution is advised. You mentioned that some nuts remain concerning after washing – it's best not to risk it if you're uncertain about their safety.

For future reference, proper drying and handling procedures can significantly reduce the risk of mold developing. Harvesting walnuts promptly and hulling them quickly helps, and they should not be left on the ground for long periods.

If you're concerned about mold exposure or food safety, it might be wise to err on the side of caution and discard any walnuts that look suspicious, as well as any dips made from them.

Learn More:

[1]. http://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/GARDEN/FRUIT/ENVIRON/walnutmold.html?src=exchbt, [2]. https://ask2.extension.org/kb/faq.php?id=434056, [3]. https://ask2.extension.org/kb/faq.php?id=772376

Lesley for UDC master gardeners