North American Fruit Explorers mailing list at ibiblio

[Peter Chrisbacher <pxbacher.ls@comcast.net>]

What kind of nuts are we talking about?  The walnut and hickory I 
collect all have hulls when I collect them.  Then they get dried and the 
hulls come off (easier with the hickories than the walnuts!).  Once 
hulled, there's very little if any "dirt" or other contaminants left 
from when they were on the ground.  You could certainly wash them at 
this point if you have any concerns, but I don't think its necessary 
(just my opinion mind you).

I agree with the "...colony they spawn in the sweet wet juice" idea on 
why dropped fruit is much more risky.

Pete Chrisbacher
SE PA - Zone 6B