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The Ultimate Guide to Choosing and Shelling Fresh Walnuts Effortlessly

In this article, we will guide you through the process of selecting and shelling fresh walnuts with ease. Stay tuned as we unravel the secrets to choosing the finest walnuts and mastering the art of shelling them like a pro!

Administrator

6 August, 2024

Walnuts are a type of nut that is rich in fat and contains higher levels of certain nutrients compared to other nuts. They are commonly used in everyday dishes as a healthy food ingredient.

What you are most concerned about right now is how to choose and buy delicious walnuts just by looking at them from the outside, and how to easily crack them open. If you have these concerns, then please read through this article to find the answers!

1 How to Choose Fresh and Delicious Walnuts

For Walnuts with Shells Intact

Choose walnuts with intact shells

When buying, you should observe the shape and outer color for any abnormalities such as wormholes or mold. However, it is difficult to determine the quality of the walnut with this method alone, so you should combine it with other techniques and choose a reputable seller to ensure the best quality.

Select walnuts that are whole and undamaged

If the walnut shell is broken, it will affect the quality as air can enter and cause the oil inside to turn rancid. Therefore, you should choose walnuts with intact shells to maximize the preservation of the nutrients inside.

Choose walnuts with intact, new shells

Buy walnuts during the right harvest season

Walnuts harvested during the right season will have the freshest flavor. Typically, walnuts are harvested only once a year and stored for the whole year. If you buy walnuts during the off-season, they are more likely to be old and not as fresh.

Choose walnuts that are large and uniform in size

Walnuts that are large and consistent in size are of superior quality and have a better flavor, being more fragrant and richer than smaller varieties. However, the price of such walnuts will also be significantly higher.

Select walnuts that feel heavy and solid

Delicious walnuts will have a full kernel that fits snugly inside the shell, and they will feel heavy and solid in your hand compared to hollow or shriveled ones.

Choose walnuts during the right season, with uniform size, and feeling heavy in the hand

Choose walnuts during the right season, with a uniform size

For Walnuts without Shells

Selecting shelled walnuts is a bit easier. When buying, you should pay attention to the following:

Choose walnuts with plump, meaty kernels. If the kernel is shriveled, it means the walnut is old and the quality cannot be guaranteed.
Avoid buying walnuts that are broken and still have the thin inner skin or membrane attached.
Select walnuts that feel firm and crisp, not soft.
For shelled walnuts, the inner skin or membrane should be white and uniform in color, without any signs of moisture or oil seepage.
The kernels should be free of mold or wormholes.
Choose walnuts with plump, meaty kernels that are not broken.

Choose walnuts with plump, meaty kernels that are not broken

2 Easy Ways to Crack Open Fresh Walnuts

Using Specialized Pliers to Crack Walnut Shells

There are various types of specialized pliers available in the market specifically designed for cracking walnut shells. With these pliers, you can easily break the shell by placing the walnut inside the pliers’ jaws and gently squeezing, causing the shell to crack while keeping the kernel inside intact.

Using specialized pliers to crack walnut shells

Using a Knife to Crack Walnut Shells

If you don’t have specialized pliers, you can use any sharp-pointed object such as a knife to crack the shells.

Observe that there is a small gap at the stem end of the walnut. Use the tip of the knife to pry into this gap and apply force to break open the shell.

Note: This method is more suitable for smaller walnuts, and gentle force should be used to avoid injury.

Using a knife to crack walnut shells

Using Scissors to Crack Walnut Shells

Some kitchen scissors have serrated blades, which can also be used to crack walnut shells. Simply place the walnut between the serrations and apply enough force to break the shell.

Using scissors to crack walnut shells

Using a Pestle or Hammer to Crack Walnut Shells

Another simple method is to use a pestle or hammer to gently tap on the larger end of the walnut until the shell cracks open, revealing the kernel inside.

Note: This method can easily damage the kernel, so be careful and gentle to avoid injury.

Using a pestle or hammer to crack walnut shells

Using a Specialized Keychain Tool to Crack Walnut Shells

Specialized keychain tools are often included in boxes of walnuts with intact shells, so you can use them for cracking.

Similar to using a knife, insert the pointed end into the gap at the stem end of the walnut and gently pry to break open the shell.

Using a specialized keychain tool to crack walnut shells

3 How to Remove the Thin Inner Skin or Membrane from Walnuts

The thin inner skin or membrane is the thin, yellowish-brown layer (sometimes reddish) that covers the kernel. This layer is edible and contains many antioxidants, but removing it will enhance the flavor of the walnut.

For freshly cracked walnut kernels, you can easily remove the inner skin or membrane by soaking the kernels in clean water for about an hour to soften the skin, then peeling it off.

For roasted or toasted walnuts, while they are still hot, wrap them in a cloth and gently rub to remove the inner skin or membrane.

Soak the kernels in water for an hour, then peel off the inner skin

We hope that these methods for choosing and cracking fresh walnuts will be helpful to you. Enjoy your delicious walnuts!

Frequently asked questions

A bad walnut will have a shriveled or moldy appearance, and its color will be darker than usual. It may also emit a rancid or sour odor.

Fresh walnuts are a good source of healthy fats, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They offer anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, and may improve heart health, brain function, and bone strength.

Walnuts are typically in season from late summer to early fall, with their peak season being in September and October.

Look for walnuts that feel heavy for their size and have a smooth, wrinkle-free shell. Avoid those with cracks or holes, as they may be infested with pests. Opt for a lighter-colored shell, as darker shells may indicate over-ripeness or mold.

There are a few methods: the water-soaking method, where you soak the walnuts in water for 24 hours, making the shell softer and easier to crack; the oven method, where you roast the walnuts in the oven at a low temperature for a short time, helping to loosen the shell from the meat; or using a walnut cracker tool, which is designed specifically for cracking walnut shells efficiently.

Store unshelled walnuts in a cool, dry place, such as a pantry or cellar, where they can last for up to six months. If shelled, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three months, or in the freezer for up to a year.

Yes, freezing is a great way to extend the shelf life of walnuts. Place the shelled walnuts in an airtight container or freezer bag, and they can be stored for up to a year without losing their flavor or texture.

Unshelled walnuts can last up to six months if stored properly, while shelled walnuts will stay fresh for about three months in the refrigerator or up to a year in the freezer.

While walnuts are nutritious, eating too many may lead to weight gain due to their high calorie and fat content. Additionally, some people may experience allergies or digestive issues, so it’s best to consume in moderation.

Yes, walnut shells can be a choking hazard, especially for young children and pets. Always dispose of walnut shells properly, and never eat the shells as they can cause internal injuries.