Grandpa showed me a trick and in 10 minutes I had two buckets full of peeled nuts. He couldn’t stand to see me struggling to peel them.
Shelling nuts is a time-consuming and frustrating task. Fortunately, there are tricks that will save us a lot of time and make the process easier. My grandfather showed me one of the best tweaks, and it’s incredibly efficient. In a matter of minutes, you have two buckets full of delicious nuts.
Warm the nuts.
It’s a good idea to let the walnuts warm up for a while before shelling them. Place them in an oven preheated to around 180°C for 5-10 minutes. Warming them up will soften the shells and make them easier to peel.
Prepare a tea towel.
Then prepare the surface on which you will peel the nuts. Place the prepared nuts on a flat surface on the towel. This will ensure that the nuts do not shift during the shelling process.
Use a hammer to tap the walnut shells lightly.
Don’t try to open the shell all at once. Proceed gradually. Hammer on the centre of the shell and it will break in half. Once the shells are cracked, remove the nut flesh from inside the shells using your fingers or a small pair of scissors. If some of the pulp is still stuck, remove it gently. Do this carefully to avoid damaging the nut.
This method will allow you to peel walnuts quickly and easily. Be patient and careful when peeling to avoid damaging the nut.
Proper storage
Proper storage is essential for retaining the freshness and flavour of nuts harvested in autumn. You must choose a suitable box or container for storing the nuts. The storage area must be dry, well ventilated and odour-free. Line it with paper or a napkin to prevent direct contact between the nuts and the wood.
Proper placement of the nuts is also crucial. Choose a dark place that is protected from direct sunlight. Light can ruin the taste and quality of the nuts. If you have a storage area that is naturally dark (such as a cellar), this is the best place for storing nuts. Despite proper storage, use the nuts in a timely manner – ideally within a few months of harvest.
