The invention relates to a method for treating shell-fruits (3), in particular for producing shell-fruits (3) with improved shelling properties in comparison to untreated shell-fruits (3). The invention further relates to a device (1) for treating shell-fruits (3), in particular for producing shell-fruits (3) with improved shelling properties in comparison to untreated shell-fruits (3), comprising a hermetically sealable treatment chamber (2) for conditioning the shell-fruits (3). In order to provide a method and a device for treating shell-fruits which do not damage the contents of the kernel and simultaneously permit improved shelling of the shell-fruits and the opened shell to be better separated from the kernel, the method according to the invention comprises softening the shell of the shell-fruits (3) by applying an electric field, and the device according to the invention comprises at least one capacitor (4) for generating an electric field in the treatment chamber (2).

The invention relates to a method for treating shell-fruits (3), in particular for producing shell-fruits (3) with improved shelling properties in comparison to untreated shell-fruits (3). The invention further relates to a device (1) for treating shell-fruits (3), in particular for producing shell-fruits (3) with improved shelling properties in comparison to untreated shell-fruits (3), comprising a hermetically sealable treatment chamber (2) for conditioning the shell-fruits (3). In order to provide a method and a device for treating shell-fruits which do not damage the contents of the kernel and simultaneously permit improved shelling of the shell-fruits and the opened shell to be better separated from the kernel, the method according to the invention comprises softening the shell of the shell-fruits (3) by applying an electric field, and the device according to the invention comprises at least one capacitor (4) for generating an electric field in the treatment chamber (2).

A nut picking system suitable for picking chestnuts having a gathering assembly, and a conveyor assembly. The gathering assembly has an intake and a mesh belt associated with the intake. The gathering assembly gathers chestnuts and burrs through the intake to from the mesh belt at the dispensing axle. The conveyor assembly includes a frame, bed rollers and a conveyor drive. The frame has a conveyor sides, a feed and discharge end. Each bed roller has a first end and a second end and outer surface. The bed rollers are rotatably coupled to the frame, and are spaced apart from each. The bed rollers include a plurality of spaced apart fingers extending outwardly from the outer surface and terminating in a tip. The fingers have a length that is greater than the bed roller spacing. The conveyor drive rotates the bed rollers. Methods are likewise disclosed.