How to shell black walnuts? (Quick & Easy Method)

In this article, you will learn how to shell black walnuts. I have also covered an easy hack that allows the process to be done easily and quickly.

First, let’s look at the tools you will need to shell black walnuts.

Source: Wikipedia Commons

Walnuts Tools to break loose

Black walnuts are super sturdy. It requires a specific amount of energy to break it open. But with the right tool, it’s just a few cracks away. A hammer comes in handy with its few worthy hits. Just put the walnut on a flat but soft surface to avoid smashing the nut inside. A good technique hit will break the shell apart. 

A loose brick would work wonders, too, only if you know where exactly you’re supposed to hit. Moreover, you can use a sharp knife as well. It works well by just sticking the knife into the nut.

Twist the knife swiftly the shell will break into two halves. Other than the household tools, a nutcracker from the shop is also an option.  Nutcrackers are available with different uses and price ranges.

For example, Reed’s rocket nutcracker. If you have loads of nuts, a heavy-duty cracker will help. Otherwise, some simple manual nutcrackers can be an option too.

Why Should You Break a Walnut Shell?

Break The shell of the walnut to get the nut. The answer is obvious because the shell does not break on its own. It requires some physical strength to crackle the nut out of its shell.

It is best to crack the shell as soon as it’s ready because it will be fresh to eat. After cracking the shell, it is easy to store them as they will take less space.

Cracked nuts are easy to eat because you won’t have to crack each nut before eating. The taste is the best right after you break it open. With time, walnut loses its taste and will become unpleasant to eat.

Easy hacks to make a nut-crack

One tip to crackle the walnut is to soak them in hot water to soften the shell. Use a hammer and give a blunt blow on the black walnut. You will see that the shell has quickly broken apart.

However, if you want to quicken breaking the walnut, a simple sharp knife can help. Identify the top opening of the shelf and dig the tip of the knife inside the shelf.

Twist it, and it will quickly break into two. Use metal snips to take the stuck pieces out of the walnut’s shell. The best recommendation will be to use a nutcracker if you intend to do any serious volume of nutcracking.

Walnut in One-piece

It’s not easy to crack the walnuts in a way that each half would come out whole. Because they usually come out in tiny bits and pieces. However, with some good practice, you can work it out. Follow these steps to get the vast majority of halves out whole.

Use a hammer and crack the walnut with three firm taps on the side.

Rotate the walnut with the pointy side up and again give three taps on the point

You’ll notice the crack. Carefully pull away from the shell and pull the walnut out.

But remember, you will not get the whole walnut on the first attempt. It’s just a matter of some good patience and practice. With time you’ll get there, don’t worry.

How much force does it take to break a walnut?

In general, you don’t need to be a superman to break the shell. However, according to a few kinds of research and study, an average person requires a force of 0.6 kN, which is approximately 135 lb, to break a walnut shell.

Hand nuts or hammer the nuts?

One can use their hands to crack walnuts, but it’s not recommended. Walnuts are super hard and require some serious strength.

Tools like a hammer or a nutcracker are better suited for this task than human hands. Even a simple brick can help create quick and efficient work. If you have the right tools with you, you don’t have to get your hands dirty and let the hammer do the action.

On the other side though using the hammer way is the quickest, but the hand method will give you greater control and can be done more gently so as not to damage the nutmeat inside.

Clean the walnuts and dry them.

Cleaning and drying black walnuts are one big job. It requires a tremendous effort to get that perfect delicious nut of your taste.

To clean the walnuts, make sure to wear your gloves first so that you don’t stain the hands. The black color they give off can cause yellow stains on the skin. The stain will take dew days to vanish. Wear heavy-duty gloves.

Begin the process by first Cutting the green hull of the dark walnut-like avocado. Then drop the hard-shelled nuts into the bucket of water. Hose them down and let them soak.

As soon as the water turns jet black, throw the water and refill the bucket with clean water. Repeat the process till the water looks lighter than before. Rub clean the walnuts and place them to dry.

The drying process requires the nuts to be kept in a well-ventilated area. Spread them on a clean surface anywhere where’s there’s good circulation. It’s better to stir them frequently to encourage circulation. Avoid putting them under direct sunlight.

Leave the walnuts in place for two weeks until the shells are completely dried out. Check the nuts by cracking one or two to ensure if they have dried or not.

Save the walnuts after shelling

When the walnuts are cracked, the oils in them will quickly become rancid. It is recommended to store them safely.

You should either use freshly shelled nuts right away or store them in the fridge or freezer for the best quality. Also, pack the nuts in an airtight container, or they will attract mice.

Storage period of black walnuts

The length of time you can store nuts on storage temperature. Storage life is shorter in the room than in the refrigerator or freezer. They retain quality for a year or more in the refrigerator and two or more when they are kept in a freezer.

Walnuts are hard to crack but delicious to taste. Enjoy them with the right tools and tips mentioned above. Good luck and adios from our side!!