Black walnuts are a delicious and nutritious wild nut, but anyone who’s tried to open them knows they’re no ordinary nut to crack. Their shells are famously tough and thick, making it a challenge even for seasoned nut lovers. But don’t worry – with the right approach and a little patience, you can easily crack open black walnuts and enjoy their rich, earthy flavor.
Here’s a straightforward, friendly guide on how to crack open black walnuts, step by step, so you can savor this wild treasure without frustration.
Why Are Black Walnuts So Hard to Crack?
Black walnuts have one of the toughest shells among nuts. Unlike the familiar English walnut, black walnuts have a very thick, hard shell that protects the nut inside. This shell is designed by nature to be durable, which means cracking it requires more effort and the right technique.
Trying to crack black walnuts with a simple table nutcracker usually won’t work – you need stronger tools or a clever method to get through the shell without destroying the nut inside.
Step 1: Husk the Walnuts
If you’re harvesting black walnuts fresh, the first step is to remove the green outer husk. This husk is spongy and messy but must be taken off soon after picking the nuts. Leaving the husk on will make cracking and drying more difficult.
Once husked, wash the nuts to remove any residue and dirt, then let them dry in a well-ventilated area for several weeks.
Step 2: Dry the Walnuts Properly
Drying is key. Fresh black walnuts are almost impossible to crack because their shells are still moist and tough. As they dry, the shell becomes more brittle and often starts to split naturally.
Lay the nuts out in a single layer in a dry, airy spot, protected from pests. After a few weeks or months, you’ll notice some nuts begin to crack open slightly on their own – this is the perfect time to start cracking them.
Step 3: Soak for Easier Cracking (Optional but Helpful)
If your walnuts are very dry and the shells are shattering too much when cracked, soaking them in water for 1-2 hours before cracking can help. Soaking softens the nut meat slightly and reduces kernel breakage, making it easier to get larger pieces of nut.
Step 4: Choose Your Cracking Method
Here are some popular and effective ways to crack black walnuts:
Using a Hammer or Mallet
– Place the walnut on a hard surface, pointed end up.
– Gently tap the pointed end with a hammer until the shell cracks along its natural seam.
– Rotate and tap again if needed to open the shell into sections.
– Use a pick or pliers to remove the nut meat from the shell pieces.
This method requires some care to avoid smashing the nut meat and to keep shell shards contained.
Using a Vise or Heavy-Duty Nutcracker
A vise or a strong screw-type nutcracker applies steady pressure and is excellent for black walnuts.
– Place the walnut in the vise or nutcracker.
– Slowly tighten the grip until the shell cracks.
– This method gives more control and reduces kernel damage.
Boiling Before Cracking
Boiling walnuts for about 10 minutes can loosen the shell and make cracking easier.
– Boil the nuts in water.
– Dry them completely.
– Then press or tap to crack the shell.
– This method is useful if you want to try cracking by hand or with less force.
Cracking by Hand (For the Brave!)
Some people can crack walnuts by squeezing them between their palms or rolling them firmly on a hard surface.
– Place the walnut between your palms.
– Apply firm, even pressure while rolling.
– This takes strong hands and patience but can work if the shell is softened by boiling or soaking.
Step 5: Extract the Nut Meat
Once cracked, use a small pick, screwdriver, or pliers to carefully pry out the walnut halves or pieces. Black walnut kernels are delicious but can be tricky to extract cleanly because the shell fragments are tough and irregular.
Taking your time here pays off – you want to keep the nut pieces as whole as possible for the best eating experience.
Tips for Success and Enjoyment
– Patience is key. Black walnuts are a labor of love. Waiting for them to dry and crack naturally will save you frustration.
– Protect your hands. Wear gloves or use a towel when cracking to avoid injury from sharp shell pieces.
– Store properly. Once shelled, keep walnuts in an airtight container in a cool, dry place or refrigerate to preserve freshness.
– Roast for flavor. After cracking, roasting the nuts enhances their rich, earthy taste and makes them perfect for snacking or baking.
Cracking black walnuts might seem daunting, but with these simple steps and a bit of practice, you’ll find it’s a rewarding and even relaxing hobby. Soon, you’ll be enjoying the unique flavor of fresh black walnuts right from your own backyard or foraged finds.
Enjoy cracking and savoring these wild gems!
Black walnuts are tough, but with the right approach, you can crack them open and enjoy their rich flavor without hassle. Happy cracking!