At the beginning of the second week of April, the harvest is running approximately one week ahead compared to the 2025 season.
Early varieties such as Serr, Howard, and Tulare have already been fully harvested. In the case of Serr, a significant increase in production was recorded, while the others maintained levels similar to the previous season. In terms of quality, smaller calibers are being observed, with kernel color and yield in line with last season.
For the Chandler variety, the harvest is divided into two production zones: the central-north and central-south, with Talca serving as the dividing point.
In the central-south zone, progress to date is close to 50%. Production is higher than last season, although slightly below initial estimates. In terms of quality, kernel yield is significantly better than last year, reaching an average close to 49%. Sizes are smaller, with low volumes of nuts above 36 mm. Kernel color is good, although slightly below last season and with a greater presence of pronounced veining. So far, shell condition remains favorable, supported by good weather conditions during the harvest.
In the central-north zone, more heterogeneous conditions are observed in the progress of the Chandler variety. In the Valparaíso Region, harvesting is just beginning, with timing very similar to last season due to the absence of rainfall in the second half of March. In areas where precipitation did occur, the process advanced between five days and one week, reaching around 20% of the harvested volume. At this stage, it is difficult to identify significant changes compared to the previous season, although a decrease in volumes is observed, both compared to last season and to initial estimates. In terms of quality, a reduction in sizes is noted, while color remains positive and kernel yield is around 50%.
This week is expected to be the peak harvest period. In this context, it is worth noting that the best place for walnuts to wait before hulling and drying is on the tree, avoiding their storage in bins or trays prior to this process.
