Walnuts in ShellWalnuts in shell are whole walnuts still inside their hard, light brown shells, which you crack open at home to reach the kernels. Inside is a pale, crinkled nut with a mild, buttery taste. People eat them straight from the shell, bake with them or put them in a bowl at Christmas.What Walnuts in Shell Are LikeWalnuts in shell give you the kernel only when you crack them yourself. The shell is round, ridged and made of two halves joined by a seam. Inside, the kernel is golden to light brown, wrinkled and usually comes out in two halves or large pieces.Fresh walnut kernels are crisp and slightly creamy. The thin skin has a gentle bitterness that suits sweet and savoury food alike.Ways to Use Walnuts in ShellOnce shelled, walnuts work in both baking and everyday cooking. Here are some common uses: Coffee and walnut cake or Victoria sponge with walnuts Banana bread, brownies and carrot cake Waldorf salad, or a salad with beetroot and goat's cheese Walnut pesto stirred through pasta Baklava and other layered pastries A bowl of nuts and clementines on the table at Christmas How to Crack and Prepare WalnutsA nutcracker is the easiest way to open walnuts in shell. Place the nut with the seam facing the cracker and squeeze gently. Turn it slightly and squeeze again if the shell does not open fully. Some people press two walnuts together in the palm of the hand, but a nutcracker gives more control.Pick out any bits of shell before you cook with the kernels. For a deeper flavour, toast the kernels in a dry frying pan or a moderate oven for a few minutes. Watch them closely, because walnuts brown quickly.Shell Weight and Kernel YieldThe weight of walnuts in shell includes the shells, so you will end up with less kernel than the weight of the pack. Keep this in mind when a recipe asks for a set weight of shelled walnuts. It also helps to crack a few extra, since some kernels break as they come out.Walnuts in Shell FAQDo I need a nutcracker for walnuts in shell?Yes, a nutcracker is the easiest tool for the job. A sturdy walnut cracker or a small hammer used gently also works.Should I toast walnuts before using them?No, toasting is optional. Toasted walnuts taste deeper and crunchier, which suits salads and toppings, while untoasted kernels work well in cakes that bake for a long time.Can I use walnuts in shell for baking?Yes, once you have shelled them. Chop the kernels for cakes, brownies and banana bread, or leave halves whole for decorating the top.Add walnuts in shell to your basket ready for your next walnut cake or a bowl of nuts to crack at the table.
