Walnuts: Unlocking health benefits with a simple blanching hack
Walnuts are an essential ingredient in many holiday dishes, valued both for their symbolism and health benefits. However, the bitter skin can spoil the overall taste. There's a simple solution to this problem.
28 November 2024 13:17
Their shape, reminiscent of the human brain, captures the imagination, and rightly so. Walnuts' effects on brain function are scientifically supported. They are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which positively affect neuron function. Antioxidants help inhibit free radicals, and B vitamins play a crucial role in neurotransmitter production. Additionally, walnuts contain magnesium, which boosts memory and concentration. They also act as a natural antidepressant, enhancing mood.
How to remove the skin from a walnut?
Before adding walnuts to fruitcake, poppy seed cake, or your daily oatmeal, it's worth removing the bitter skin. Located under the hard shell, it tightly surrounds the sweet nutmeat. Tediously peeling with a knife is impractical, especially during the busy holiday season, when you need time for gatherings with friends or acquaintances.
The simplest method is blanching. This will help you remove the bitter skin in a few easy steps. How do you do it? Drop the walnuts into a pot of boiling water. Boil for about 1 minute, then use a slotted spoon to remove a few at a time. Once slightly cooled but still warm, peel the walnuts with a small knife.
Blanching walnuts is quick and remarkably easy. The boiling water softens the skin, which practically comes off by itself.
Other ways to peel walnuts
An alternative method is to roast the walnuts in the oven. Preheat the oven to 200°C. Spread the walnuts evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for about 15 minutes. After removing and cooling them, transfer to a clean cloth and rub them together. The skin will come off easily, leaving the sweet nutmeat.
You can also use the microwave to peel walnuts, ensuring you use a suitable container. Arrange the walnuts at the bottom and cover them with cold water. Once it starts to bubble, remove the container from the microwave. Let the walnuts cool and peel the skin off, just like with classic blanching.
When using walnuts — not just for holiday baking — remember that their shells and skins can be turned into a valuable fertilizer for potted plants.
Blanching walnuts vs. pan roasting
While searching for a way to remove walnut skin, you might come across the pan roasting method. This is also effective but requires pre-boiling the walnuts for about 30 minutes. Then, dry and roast them in the pan until the skin starts to crack.
