Pecans in the shell are a great option. The shell gives them a natural layer of protection, keeping them fresher for longer. Plus, it can be really satisfying to crack a pecan on extract the tender meat inside. As the old saying goes, there are many ways to crack a nut. However, here are our X favorites:
1. The Classic Nutcracker
Nutcrackers are a great tool that is designed specifically for cracking nuts. They come in a large variety of shapes, colors, sizes, and designs. Many are novelty crackers like the famous Christmas nutcrackers and can be fun to use around the holidays. However, for the serious pecan lovers, you’ll want a nutcracker that’s way more functional to get at the meat.
2. Boil Them Before Cracking
Boiling pecans before cracking them can actually help prevent the shell from shattering. Here’s how to boil them to loosen the shell but not cook the meat: ● Bring a large pot of water to a gentle boil ● Add the pecans and let cook for 10-15 minutes ● Drain and let cool ● Get to cracking! If you want a shortcut, you can also take one cup of water to two cups of pecans and put them in the microwave for 5 minutes. Let them cool completely before taking them out as they will be very hot.
3. Hit Up Your Tool Cabinet
If you don’t have a nutcracker, you can still easily extract the meat from pecans in the shell with some basic household tools. Obviously a hammer or a mallet will crack the shells. As fun as it is to bash away at your pecans, it can leave quite a mess. It can also be pretty dangerous to have shell shrapnel flying, so make sure you wear safety goggles and gloves. What we recommend though instead is a pair of pliers. Pliers can work like a simple nutcracker and can easily extract the meat. Just make sure to wash them thoroughly before use.
4. Do It By Hand
Not only will this get your pecans open, it’s a really impressive party trick to show off to your guests. Here’s how to do it: ● Take two pecans and line them up longways ● Place them in the palm of your hand and wrap your fingers around and squeeze hard ● Once one side cracks, roll them over and do another side ● Repeat until the shell is loose and you can pull them off We don’t really recommend this method if you’re extracting pecans for a pie because it is very time consuming, but it can be a fun way to crack your pecans for a snack. No matter how you crack your pecans, make sure to only get the highest quality pecans in the shell. Natchitoches Pecans offers the finest, Louisiana pecans. They are rich, tender, and easy to crack.
FAQs
Regular slip joint pliers are good for cracking pecan shells. A nutcracker can also be used to shell pecans. A specialized inertial type pecan cracker can also be used if you want to spend the extra money. Shell the pecans, but be careful with the nutmeat.
What is the best way to crack pecans? ›
Regular slip joint pliers are good for cracking pecan shells. A nutcracker can also be used to shell pecans. A specialized inertial type pecan cracker can also be used if you want to spend the extra money. Shell the pecans, but be careful with the nutmeat.
Should you wash pecans before you crack them? ›
Don't wash pecans. Don't run water over them or even use a damp towel to clean them. Especially in-shell pecans.
How much do people charge to crack pecans? ›
We crack pecans, including native pecans!
The $1.45/pound price includes first doing a thorough rinse of the pecans and then boiling them for 6 minutes to sanitize. After that process, they go onto special drying tables where they quickly dry. Then we put them through our cracker, nut meat extractor, and blower.
How to crack nuts without making a mess? ›
Stand frozen nuts with the point facing up and hit with a hard object, such as a hammer, to crack. Crack soaked nuts with a nutcracker. Place the nut in the grip of the nutcracker so that the seam of the shell is subjected to the direct force.
What can I use if I don't have a nutcracker? ›
How to crack nuts without a nutcracker
- Using the strength of your hands. ...
- Using the finger trick. ...
- Using a sharp object. ...
- Using a hammer. ...
- Using a change of temperature. ...
- Using a tool. ...
- Using your fist.
Eating pecans everyday has several benefits from the perspective of health. However, you'll need to ensure that the nuts are thoroughly dry before shelling them. In case you've harvested the nuts before they're fully ripe, you'll have to dry them up for about two weeks before you remove them from their kernels.
How do crows open pecans? ›
Crows will knock nuts to the ground, hold the pecan between their feet, and crack open the shell with their large, heavy beak.
Why do you boil pecans before cracking? ›
Boiling pecans before cracking them can actually help prevent the shell from shattering.
Can you eat pecans right off the tree? ›
No, you cannot eat the green nuts that fall off prematurely from the trees as they've still not ripened. Only those nuts that ripen fully by Fall (and hence ready to harvest) are worth eating as they have the rich invigorating flavor you normally associate with nuts.
Pecans are a versatile tree nut. They can be eaten alone – raw, roasted, or flavored – as a healthy, delicious snack, or they can enhance almost any recipe as an ingredient. Go nuts and enjoy pecans!
How long to boil pecans before cracking? ›
Boiling pecans before cracking them can actually help prevent the shell from shattering. Here's how to boil them to loosen the shell but not cook the meat: ● Bring a large pot of water to a gentle boil ● Add the pecans and let cook for 10-15 minutes ● Drain and let cool ● Get to cracking!
What is the best way to store cracked pecans? ›
Want to know the secret to keeping your pecans fresh? It's simple. Just keep your pecans in airtight containers and store them in the refrigerator or freezer. When you are ready to serve, you can bring them up to room temperature or cook with them right away, no thawing necessary.
How do you finely crush pecans? ›
Place nuts in a bowl, then use a handheld pastry cutter/blender to softly press down, reducing the nuts to smaller pieces. This works best with softer nuts like walnuts and pecans.
Why do you soak pecans before roasting? ›
Wet pecans allow the salt to stick easily to the nuts. Plus, soaking nuts helps neutralize enzyme inhibitors, which can harm your digestion, and reduce phytates, which decrease nutrient absorption. Just submerge your nuts in water while the oven is heating up and you'll be good to go.
