Walnuts are a delectable addition to both standalone snacks and a wide array of baked goods. With layers comprising the outer hull and the robust nutshell.
Instructions
Outer Hull Removal
When dealing with freshly harvested walnuts, the initial step involves removing the outer hull. Seek out ripe nuts exhibiting a yellowish-green hull; those with black hulls lack optimal flavor.

Position the whole walnut on an asphalt surface. Concrete may become stained by the released juices.

Apply pressure with your foot to crush and embed the nut into the asphalt surface.

Retrieve the nut and deposit it into a spacious container.

Dispose of the hulls in either the trash or your compost heap.

Arrange your walnuts on a sizable picnic table or similar flat surface. Ensure you don rubber gloves to shield your skin from the nutshells' juices, and choose a location tolerant of messiness.

Utilize a wire brush to scrub away any lingering hull remnants from the shell exteriors.

Arrange the sanitized walnuts in a single layer on a flat, cool, dark, well-ventilated surface. Ensure there is no contact between the surfaces of the nuts.

Allow the walnuts to cure for 5 to 6 weeks. Freshly cracked walnuts tend to have rubbery kernels, but curing them will yield a firm, crunchy texture.
Cracking the Nutshells
Cracking walnuts can be a challenging task. Employ a nutcracker or hammer for this purpose, and consider soaking the nuts beforehand to prevent kernel breakage during the process.

Soak cured walnuts in hot water for 24 hours. This softens the shell, easing cracking.

Retrieve the walnut from the water. Position it on a flat surface with the pointed end facing upward.

Strike the pointed end with a hammer until the nut splits along its axis.

Separate the shell with your fingers.

Insert the pointed end of a nutpick beneath the kernel. Glide the nutpick along the edges of the kernel to release it from the shell.

Transfer the kernels to a separate bowl. Repeat until all walnuts are shelled.
Insights
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Refrigerated walnut kernels maintain quality for up to 9 months, while frozen kernels last up to 2 years. Store them in a sealed plastic bag.
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For room temperature storage, pre-bake kernels at 215°F (101°C) for 10 to 15 minutes. Consume within a few weeks.
Cautions
- Walnut hulls can stain hands, clothing, and surfaces. Wear rubber gloves when hulling walnuts and safeguard your workspace from spills.
Essential Equipment
- Walnuts
- Large bucket
- Wire brush
- Hammer
- Nutpick
- Bowl