Crack walnuts with ease: Simple kitchen hacks revealed
Walnuts are a treasure trove of health benefits, but their hard shells can be a real headache. Not everyone has a special nutcracker in the kitchen. Fortunately, there are several simple and effective ways to crack these tough nuts using common kitchen items.
Walnuts are truly valuable in the kitchen. They are delicious and extremely healthy, providing the body with essential fats, vitamins, and minerals. However, their hard shells can be a challenge, especially when you don't have a nutcracker handy. Luckily, there are simple and effective methods to crack walnuts without much force.
Oven – your ally in the kitchen
Heating walnuts in the oven is one of the simplest and most effective ways to crack their shells. Preheat the oven to about 392°F, place the walnuts on a baking sheet, and put them in the oven for a few minutes. The heat will make the walnut shells brittle and easier to crack. However, remember to let them cool down slightly after taking them out of the oven to avoid burns.
Freezing and soaking – Extreme methods for hard shells
If your walnut shells are exceptionally hard, you can use more extreme methods.
- Freezing: Place the walnuts in the freezer for a few hours. The cold will make the shells more brittle and easier to crack.
- Soaking: Soak the walnuts in hot water for about 10-15 minutes. The hot water will soften the shells, making them easier to crack.
How to easily remove bitter skin?
After cracking the walnuts, a bitter skin often remains, which is worth removing. Here are a few methods:
- Blanching: Drop the shelled walnuts into boiling water for a few minutes, then transfer them to a bowl of cold water. The hot water will cause the skin to come off more easily.
- Toasting: Toast the walnuts in the oven for about 10 minutes at 302°F. The heat will make the skin brittle and easy to peel off.
- Soaking: Soak shelled walnuts in cold water overnight. In the morning, the skin should come off easily.
Cracking walnuts doesn't have to be difficult. With these tips, you'll manage the task easily without special tools. Remember that freshly shelled walnuts are an excellent addition to many dishes and snacks.
Walnuts are an excellent ingredient in many dishes—from salads to cakes and main courses. With these simple tricks, you'll easily access their insides and take advantage of their flavor and health potential. Try these methods today and enjoy the ease of cracking walnuts!
