Simple kitchen hacks to crack walnuts without a nutcracker
Walnuts are a treasure trove of health benefits, but their hard shells can be challenging. Not everyone has a special nutcracker in the kitchen. Fortunately, there are several simple and effective ways to crack these tough nuts using only common kitchen items.
Walnuts are a true gem in the kitchen. They are delicious and extremely healthy, supplying the body with valuable fats, vitamins, and minerals. However, their hard shells can pose a challenge, especially if you don’t have a nutcracker at hand. Fortunately, there are simple and effective methods to crack walnuts without exerting too much force.
Oven – your ally in the kitchen
Using the oven to heat walnuts is one of the simplest and most effective ways to crack their shells. Preheat the oven to about 200°C, place the walnuts on a baking sheet, and bake them for a few minutes. With heat, the walnut shells will become brittle and easier to crack. However, wait a moment after taking them out of the oven to let them cool slightly and avoid burns.
Freezing and soaking – extreme methods for hard shells
If your walnut shells are exceptionally hard, you can try 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: Put the shelled walnuts into boiling water for a few minutes, then transfer them to a bowl of cold water. The hot water will make the skin come off more easily.
- Toasting: Toast the walnuts in the oven for about 10 minutes at 150°C. 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 our tips, you'll easily tackle this task without special tools. Remember that freshly shelled walnuts are an excellent addition to many dishes and snacks.
Walnuts are a fantastic ingredient in many dishes – from salads to cakes and main courses. With these simple tricks, you’ll easily access their insides and enjoy their flavour and health benefits. Try these methods today and enjoy the ease of cracking walnuts!
