How Do You Peel A Walnut

You peel a walnut by cracking the shell carefully to get to the nutmeat inside without smashing the whole thing to bits.
 
While it sounds like it should be simple enough, there is a definite technique to getting a walnut out of its shell intact.
 
If you rush the job with a hammer, you’ll end up with a mess of shell fragments and crushed nut pieces.
 
But when you peel a walnut the right way, you can keep those halves whole and ready for baking, snacking, or topping a salad.
 
In this post, we will take a closer look at how you peel a walnut and the easiest ways to get the job done without the frustration.
 
Let’s explore this process step by step so you can enjoy this tasty nut safely and easily.
 

How Do You Peel a Walnut

The answer to how do you peel a walnut comes down to understanding the two layers you’re dealing with.
 
Most people asking how to peel a walnut are actually dealing with the hard outer shell, not a skin.
 

1. Crack the Hard Shell First

The first step in how you peel a walnut is cracking that tough outer shell.
 
You can use a nutcracker for this, which is the most controlled tool for the job.
 
Place the walnut in the nutcracker with the seam facing the jaws.
 
The seam is the raised line that runs around the middle of the shell, and it’s the weakest point.
 
Applying pressure along the seam means the shell splits cleanly instead of shattering.
 
If you don’t have a nutcracker, a small hammer works fine, but you’ll need a light touch.
 
Tap gently around the shell rather than whacking it dead center.
 
A quick tip is to set the walnut on a hard surface and tap the pointy end first to loosen things up.
 

2. Soak Them to Soften the Shell

If you’re wondering how to peel a walnut when the shells feel extra tough, soaking helps.
 
Soaking walnuts in water for a few hours softens the shell and makes it easier to crack.
 
Some people soak them overnight for the best results.
 
After soaking, pat them dry and then crack as usual.
 
This method is especially handy when you’re peeling a large batch of walnuts at once.
 

3. Boil Them for Stubborn Shells

Another trick for how you peel a walnut is to boil the shells briefly.
 
Boiling walnuts for about five minutes softens the shell dramatically.
 
Drain them and let them cool just enough to handle.
 
Then crack the shell with your fingers or a nutcracker, and it comes apart far more easily.
 
This works wonders on walnuts that have been sitting in the pantry for a while and dried out.
 

Removing the Bitter Skin From Walnuts

Once the hard shell is off, you might notice a thin papery skin covering the nut.
 
This skin is edible, but it has a slightly bitter taste that some people don’t enjoy.
 
If you’re peeling a walnut to get rid of that skin, here’s what to do.
 

1. Soak in Hot Water

Drop the shelled walnuts into a bowl of hot water for about ten minutes.
 
The skin loosens and you can rub it off with your fingers or a kitchen towel.
 
This is one of the simplest ways to peel a walnut skin without damaging the nut.
 

2. Toast Them in the Oven

Toasting walnuts at around 350°F for five to ten minutes dries the skin out.
 
Once the skin dries, it flakes off easily when you rub the nuts together in a clean towel.
 
Toasting also brings out the natural oils and gives the walnuts a richer flavor.
 

3. Blanch and Peel

Blanching is another method for how you peel a walnut when the skin is stubborn.
 
Boil the nuts for about a minute, then transfer them straight into ice water.
 
The temperature shock splits the skin, and it slips right off.
 
You can then spread the peeled walnuts on a tray to dry before using them.
 

Tools That Make Peeling Walnuts Easier

Having the right tool changes everything when you peel a walnut.
 
A good nutcracker is the obvious choice, and a lever-style model gives you the most control.
 
A pair of sturdy nut pliers works well too, especially for harder shells.
 
A small kitchen hammer paired with a cutting board is a solid backup option.
 
And a nut pick helps you dig out any pieces stuck in the crevices of the shell.
 

So, How Do You Peel a Walnut?

You peel a walnut by cracking the shell gently along its seam and then removing the bitter skin if you want to.
 
It’s a simple process that just takes a little patience and the right technique.
 
Soaking, boiling, or toasting the walnuts all make the job of how you peel a walnut much easier.
 
With the right tool and a steady hand, you can peel a walnut and keep those halves whole.
 
Give these methods a try the next time you have a bowl of walnuts waiting to be cracked, and you’ll see just how easy peeling a walnut can be.