I would be afraid to eat them..........when all the walnuts are off........rake them in a pile and the squirrels will be very happy...............the only thing for this year is dormant oil when all the leaves are off and spray the tree according to the containers directions, wear long old clothes, mask, goggles, hat & gloves. Keep children & pets away until it is dry. spray the trunk and branches well. Do this again in the spring until the buds appear....after they open I only spray the trunk up to under the first branch........you have to do this every spring and fall for a safe crop. This dormant oil smothers all the eggs laid on the branches & trunks.