Can anyone tell me if there is a secret/knack to getting walnuts out of their shell more easily?

Question

I have a walnut tree in my garden and have just collected a harvest of walnuts but they are really hard to crack as the nut inside sits tightly against the inside of the shell. Usually when you buy walnuts from the shop they rattle about a bit in their shells and are easier to get out. I was wondering if you needed to leave them for any period of time or do something else with them to make them this way?!?

Answer 1

My granny had a walnut tree and she would alwyas place the nuts on trays in her airing cupboard to fully dry out. They stayed there for weeks.

I suspect that may have something to do with your problem - they need to be really very dry indeed.

There is some information on the attached link that might help.

Answer 2

Try putting them in the freezer for about 72 hours. Freezing the walnuts should crack them open. If they are not cracked completely, take a screwdriver and twist along the crack that has developed. This will take some twisting and holding with a vise or something similar, but it can be done. .

Answer 3

Let them dry in the sun and use a metal nut cracker.

Answer 4

Sometimes we just have to get on with it, my dog can manage fine if you don't mind a bit of doggy slob

Answer 5

get them good regular counselling maybe hypnotherapy and they will eventually come out of their shells

Answer 6

boil them and then you'll see how easily the shell comes off

Answer 7

Yes get someone else to do it!!!

Answer 8

train a squirrel to do it for you.

Answer 9

hammer