Nuts

Our Cobnuts – grown on the farm

In 2019, we planted 240 nut trees here at Joy Farms, alongside over 1,000 English broadleafs — part of our long-term commitment to farming with nature. Among them are Kent Cobnuts, Gunslebert Cobnuts, and Walnuts. Six years on, the trees are still young, so the harvest is small, but every year the crop grows stronger.

Adrian (a qualified tree surgeon and Merist Wood alum) leads the planting and care of our nut trees, bringing his passion for trees into every acre. For us, cobnuts aren’t just a crop — they’re a connection to tradition, flavour, and the landscape itself.

The Cobnut Story – heritage & tradition

Cobnuts are a heritage variety of hazelnut, first cultivated in Kent in the early 1800s and treasured ever since. Unlike the dried hazelnuts you find in shops, cobnuts are sold fresh, in their leafy husks, and taste entirely different — juicy and mild when green in late summer, deepening in flavour as the shells turn brown through autumn.

Once a favourite of Victorians (and even packed for long sea voyages thanks to their keeping quality), cobnuts are now enjoying a revival as more growers plant new orchards. We’re proud to be part of that story here in Surrey.

Season & Storage

Our cobnuts are a seasonal treat, harvested in late August through October. In the fridge they’ll keep until Christmas, or you can dry and store them for longer.

• Green cobnuts (fresh, early season): milky, crisp and best eaten straight away.

• Riper cobnuts (later season): richer, sweeter flavour, perfect for roasting or baking.

• Always remove loose husks and store in a cool place. Like any fresh food, cobnuts need a little care to keep them at their best.

Recipes & Ideas

Cobnuts are delicious simply cracked and eaten raw — or sprinkled with sea salt for a classic Kentish snack. They also shine in seasonal cooking:

• Toss into autumn salads or roasted veg

• Bake into cakes, crumbles, and breads

• Pair with cheese, chocolate, or game

• Roast gently to bring out a deeper, nuttier flavour

• We’ll be adding favourite farm recipes as the harvests grow.

Shop (future)

Our nut harvest is still very limited, but as the trees mature we’ll open online orders for farm-fresh cobnuts and walnuts. For now, keep an eye out at the farm gate in late summer for small seasonal batches — first come, first served! Enquire about buying Cobnuts

👉 Allergen notice: Cobnuts and walnuts are tree nuts and classed as allergens under UK law. Please avoid if you have a nut allergy.