What should I do if the walnut kernels are difficult to remove

The difficulty in removing walnut kernels can be solved by soaking them in hot water, using tools, freezing, tapping, steaming, and other methods.

1. Hot water soaking

Soak walnuts in hot water for about ten minutes, and the walnut shell will expand and produce small cracks due to heat. At this point, gently squeeze the walnut with both hands, and the shell will naturally separate along the crack. This method can keep the walnut kernels intact, avoid the production of debris, and is suitable for cooking needs that require the preservation of intact kernels. Note that the water temperature should not be too high to avoid damaging the nutritional components of walnuts.

2. Tool Assistance

Using professional walnut clamps or pliers can effectively remove intact nuts. Choosing a tool with a groove design can better secure the position of the walnut and apply force evenly through the lever principle. When there are no specialized tools available, you can use the door crack to clamp the walnut and lightly press it, or use a hammer pad to lightly tap it. Pay attention to controlling the force during operation to avoid crushing the nuts or tool slipping and injuring hands.

3. Freezing method

Put walnuts in the freezer compartment of the refrigerator for two hours. Due to the different shrinkage coefficients of the walnut shell and kernel, they can be separated by gently tapping after removal. Low temperature will reduce the adhesion between the film inside the shell and the kernels, making it easier to obtain intact kernels. This method is particularly suitable for thin skinned walnuts, as the resulting kernels have a crisper texture, but it is important to note that the freezing time should not exceed four hours.

4. Knocking method

Use the back of the knife to lightly tap along the walnut suture line to find the weakest point of the shell. Then place the walnut on a stable table and strike it vertically from the seam line with a hammer, with a force that produces a slight cracking sound. In traditional methods, walnuts are often placed on brick and stone floors and lightly ground with feet, but hygiene and protection should be taken into account. The tapping method is suitable for thick shelled walnuts and requires multiple practice sessions to master the strength.

5. Steaming Method

Put walnuts into a steamer and steam them over water for five to eight minutes. The steam will soften the lignin. After taking it out, wrap and rub it with a towel while it is still hot, and the outer shell and inner membrane will naturally fall off. This method can maximize the preservation of walnut nutrition, especially suitable for situations that require a large amount of intact kernels. Long steaming time can cause the texture of the nuts to soften and nutrients such as vitamin E to be easily lost.

It is recommended to choose fresh products of the current season for daily consumption of walnuts, with a uniform color and no mold spots on the shell. The shelled walnut kernels should be sealed and refrigerated to avoid the oxidation of oil and the production of a rancid taste. Walnuts are rich in unsaturated fatty acids and vitamin E. Moderate consumption is beneficial for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular health, but it is recommended to limit daily intake to less than 20 grams. For stubborn and difficult to open walnuts, various methods can be tried in combination, such as steaming first, then freezing, and finally tapping. Pay attention to protecting hands during the handling process, and children should operate under adult supervision to avoid injury. If walnut kernels are found to be bitter or moldy, they should be discarded immediately to avoid the harm of aflatoxin to health.