Nutcrackers, both decorative and practical, are a common sight during holiday seasons and in kitchens around the world. But have you ever wondered what kinds of nuts these tools are designed to break apart?
Nutcrackers open many hard-shelled nuts, but capacity depends on the design. A handheld model may suit walnuts and almonds, while black walnuts and macadamias can need a stronger tool made for those shells.
Peanuts can often be shelled by hand. Cashews are different: their shells contain irritating oil. UF/IFAS advises homeowners not to shell home-grown cashews. Buy commercially processed cashews instead of opening raw shells yourself.
What Nuts Can Nutcrackers Crack?
English Walnuts are an excellent choice for your nutcracker. They’ve got a shell that’s easy to crack open using a nutcracker. You can enjoy that rich, buttery flavor in no time.
Next up are Almonds. While their shells might be hard, don’t fret! With a good quality nutcracker and some leverage, you’ll have those tasty almond kernels ready to munch on.
Brazil nuts have tough shells. Check that the cracker is intended for them and that the nut fits securely. Stop if the tool slips or strains.
Moving on to Hazelnuts, also known as filberts. These small but mighty nuts come encased in a fairly hard shell that can be cracked by standard nutcrackers.
Last but not least, we have Pecans. Their shells can be tricky because they don’t break apart easily. So some effort is needed to crack them open using a nutcracker.
Here’s the list again:
- English Walnuts
- Almonds
- Brazil Nuts
- Hazelnuts
- Pecans
This is not an exhaustive list, and nut size matters as well as shell strength. Check the tool maker’s guidance. Cashews should not be treated as a home-shelling project.
Which Nuts Need a Stronger Cracker?
Macadamias often need a purpose-built cracker. The Australian Macadamia Society describes screw and lever models made for their hard shells.
Black walnuts can need a heavy-duty cracker rather than a standard handheld model. Roots & Harvest, for example, makes an adjustable lever model for black walnuts and pecans.
The practical limit depends on the tool. Do not keep applying more force to a cracker that is not designed for the nut.
Let’s lay it out in a handy table:
| Nuts | Crackability |
|---|---|
| Macadamia Nuts | Use a model made for macadamias |
| Black Walnuts | Check for a heavy-duty black-walnut rating |
Are There Specific Nutcrackers for Specific Nuts?
General-purpose nutcrackers handle several types of nut. OXO lists walnuts and almonds among the uses for its Seafood & Nut Cracker.
Many handheld models use two handles to apply pressure. Other designs use a screw or a mounted lever.
But what about nut-specific crackers? Do they exist? You bet they do! Let’s take a closer look.
Pecan Crackers
Pecans, with their tough shells but delicate insides, can be tricky to crack without smashing the tasty nut meat inside.
A cracker sized for pecans helps control pressure, but it cannot guarantee an unbroken kernel. Increase pressure gradually as its instructions direct.
Walnut Crackers
Ever tried cracking a walnut with a general-purpose cracker only to end up with a handful of shattered pieces? It’s frustrating!
Walnut crackers vary in strength and size. Check whether the maker means English walnuts, black walnuts or both.
Almond Crackers
Almonds might be small, but their hard shells can pose a challenge even for seasoned nut lovers.
Choose jaws that hold the almond securely; a loose fit can let it slip. A tool intended for almonds may be enough without a separate specialist cracker.
Specialist crackers can be useful for difficult shells or larger batches. Choose one for the nuts you actually plan to open, rather than assuming it will keep every kernel intact.
How Can You Crack Nuts Without A Nutcracker?
If you do not have a suitable cracker, buying shelled nuts is the easiest option. Avoid striking nuts with a chef’s knife or forcing them through a garlic press; those tools are not designed for cracking hard shells.
For hard-shelled nuts, use equipment whose maker lists that nut and follow its setup and handling instructions. Keep fingers clear of the cracking area, and remove shell fragments from the kernel before eating.
Sources: UF/IFAS cashew guidance, OXO’s nutcracker specifications, Roots & Harvest’s black-walnut cracker and Australian Macadamia Society’s cracker overview.
