can you eat hickory nuts

Yes, hickory nuts are edible and safe to eat. They are highly nutritious, rich in healthy fats like omega-3 and omega-6, magnesium, and vitamin B1. Hickory nuts can be eaten raw, toasted, or used in recipes such as nut butter, pesto, nut milk, salads, baked goods, and granola. However, not all species taste the same; for example, bitternut hickory nuts are bitter and usually not eaten, while shagbark hickory nuts are sweet and buttery, similar to pecans. It is important to select fresh, undamaged nuts for consumption. After harvesting, hickory nuts can be cracked open with a nutcracker or other tools, and the nut meat inside can be eaten immediately or stored in the refrigerator or freezer for later use. Their rich, buttery flavor makes them a delicious and nutritious wild food option.