October is National Black Walnut Month!
Did you know the walnuts growing in yards and fields across the Midwest—especially here in the Ozarks—aren’t the same as the ones you’ll find in California? These are Black Walnuts, a wild, bold, and uniquely American nut. In fact, Missouri has more native Black Walnut trees than any other state, which is why it’s officially recognized as Missouri’s state tree nut. And when it comes to harvesting, no place in the world gathers more wild Black Walnuts than right here in the Springfield area.
What sets Black Walnuts apart is their distinctive flavor – earthy, rich, and bold. They’ve become a favorite in home kitchens, bakeries, and ice creams from brands like Hiland, Braum’s, Baskin-Robbins, and Blue Bell. Creative chefs are also using them to bring a local, foraged twist to modern dishes. Even the shells have value—industries use them for everything from cleaning and polishing to eco-friendly abrasives.
At the center of it all is Stockton, Missouri—known as the “Black Walnut Capital of the World.” That’s where Hammons Products Company has been processing Black Walnuts since 1946, when local grocer Ralph Hammons saw the potential in this wild Ozarks resource. Over the decades, his vision grew into a family business that today shells 15–20 million pounds of Black Walnuts each year.
The fall harvest is truly a community event. Every October, thousands of people across Missouri and neighboring states collect Black Walnuts from their yards and fields and bring them to local hulling stations. Trucks piled high with the nuts roll through Stockton, where they’re cleaned, cracked, and processed at the local plant. The tradition is so deeply rooted that the town celebrates with the annual Black Walnut Festival, a local highlight for more than 60 years.
Hammons Products’ leaders and employees feel a strong responsibility to help the local area, having been involved in numerous community activities and organizations for generations. Dwain Hammons, Ralph’s son, led the business for many years, and his son Brian Hammons has been the 3rd generation leader since 1997. As Brian puts it, the mission is simple: “Connecting People and Creating Memories with the Natural Goodness of Black Walnuts.” In addition to leading the business, Brian served as Chairman for the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce in 2024. And 4th generation Jacob Basecke is Exec. Vice President for the company.
So as we celebrate National Black Walnut Month, remember this: Black Walnuts aren’t just another nut. They’re Local. Bold. Wild. And they’re a tradition that keeps the Ozarks connected to its roots.
