We finally learned what pecans look like before they ripen. The process of picking them felt like a treasure hunt. You use a stick to sift through the fallen leaves on the ground, and finding the nuts buried beneath is like discovering little gems. It turns out that picking even just one kilogram isn’t as easy as it seems!
The one we went to this time is Artisan Estate. Although the website says this year’s pecan picking season has ended!
No entry fee required. It’s pay by weight or a set price per bucket, we picked about 560g of shelled pecans and paid $16 at the time
Our pecan picking experience
Our first time picking pecans was so much fun! At first, it seemed really hard to find them, as they were hidden under piles of fallen leaves (you can’t take cracked ones or those with the shell not fully off).
But the more we searched, the more addictive it became! We just couldn’t stop and got better at spotting the hidden nuts among the leaves.
After we got home, we shelled them together (our hands were pretty sore from the shelling). But it was all worth it!
The freshly roasted pecans were incredibly tasty, the best we’ve ever had! Even those who didn’t like pecans before ended up loving them.
Artisan Estate
Address – 30 Ulinga Rd, Somersby NSW 2250, it’s about a 1-hour drive from Sydney.
Other popular nut picking spots near Sydney
Nutwood Farm
Located on the edge of Wollangambee National Park, this farm has over 200 chestnut and walnut trees. All the trees are organic. They provide baskets and bags, and the chestnuts are fresh and delicate, perfect for roasting.
Address: 22 Danes Way, Mt. Irvine
Hours: 9 AM – 4 PM daily, until April
Produce: Chestnuts and walnuts
Kookootonga
One of the farms in the Mount Irvine area of the Blue Mountains, Kookootonga has a history of over a hundred years. With chestnuts and walnuts, it’s a great place to enjoy the tradition of picking.
Address: 247 Mount Irvine Rd, Mount Irvine
Hours: 9 AM – 4 PM, 7 days a week, until late April
Produce: Chestnuts and walnuts
Cost: Chestnuts are $10 per kilo, walnuts $12 per kilo
Sassafras Nuts
About a 3-hour drive from Sydney, this farm offers chestnut picking. Due to high demand, walnuts are usually not available for picking. There are over 800 chestnut trees and 300 walnut trees.
Season: Late March to April
Hours: 10:30 AM – 3 PM throughout April, plus Easter Monday
Produce: Chestnuts
Cost: $5 per adult – children under 16 free