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Simple Trick

How to Open a Walnut Without a Nutcracker

You don't necessarily need a nutcracker to open walnuts.
You don't necessarily need a nutcracker to open walnuts. Photo: Franka Kruse-Gering / myHOMEBOOK
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December 9, 2024, 12:05 pm | Read time: 2 minutes

How often have you sat at the table trying to open a walnut without a nutcracker? Whether it’s because you don’t have one or because the pretty nutcracker on the shelf is too nice to use. But you don’t actually need a nutcracker; a simple kitchen tool will do.

For many, walnuts are as much a part of the Christmas season as oranges and cinnamon stars. Whether plain or candied, they are a treat and also provide important omega-3 fatty acids. But to eat them, you first have to open them and free them from their shell. A difficult task if you don’t have a nutcracker on hand. Wrong! myHOMEBOOK shows a video trick on how to open walnuts without a nutcracker.

What You Need to Open Walnuts Without a Nutcracker

Basically, you only need a few items to open the nuts. A simple butter knife will do, or at least a flat and narrow object that you can insert into the walnut. Depending on the shape, this could also be the handle of a spoon or fork. Additionally, you should have plenty of walnuts on hand.

Note: Since you’re handling a knife, be careful not to injure yourself. Also, children should definitely not try this trick.

Here’s How:

First, take a close look at the nut and find a spot along the seam where you can insert the knife. The top side of the walnut is usually a good choice. This is where it was once attached to the tree. Once the knife is inserted, hold the walnut in one hand and the knife handle in the other. Now you need some strength. Turn both hands in opposite directions. Due to the forces now at work, the walnut will crack open and the kernel can be removed in pieces.

This article is a machine translation of the original German version of MYHOMEBOOK and has been reviewed for accuracy and quality by a native speaker. For feedback, please contact us at info@myhomebook.de.

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