How to Crack Brazil Nuts
Brazil nuts grow in hard pods (called castaña pods) of about 10 to 25 individual nuts, each of which is then encased in its own shell. A Brazil nut can be cracked; you just have to know its soft spot. Brazil nuts grow only in the Amazon rainforest, and they contain nutrients and minerals crucial for health. To get these benefits, you must either purchase already shelled and roasted Brazil nuts at the store, or try the more romantic way: crack them yourself. The best way to crack a Brazil nut depends on the tools you have for performing the task. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Soak it: the best way to begin the Brazil nut cracking experience is to get the nuts wet. Soaking the shell will allow it to soften slightly; however, proper soaking takes time. Place the nuts in a bowl covered with cold water and let rest overnight or for at least 12 hours. For faster results, boil or microwave the water (with the nuts) and then let rest for three hours. This makes the shelling process much easier regardless of the tool.
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Freeze or bake it: as an alternative to soaking, freezing or baking the nuts can be effective in making the shells brittle, therefore slightly easier to crack. Baking: 15 minutes at 350F (175C). Freezing: six hours.
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Crack it using a nutcracker. The nut shell will be slightly soft following the soaking. Using a nutcracker, forcefully clamp off (or at least split) one end of the nut. Once it has been opened, use your fingers to peel off the shell.
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Tips & Warnings
If you do not have a nutcracker, there are many alternative tools that can be used to dislodge the nut. Possible tools include hammer, jackknife, knife, universal pliers, kitchen wooden board, or the front door of a house. For hammering, use a cloth below the nut to keep it from sliding on the surface. For the front-door method (known as the Brazilian method) carefully place the nut close to a hinge and move the door so you can smash the nut.
If using punch-like tools such as a door, beware of your fingers and or flying bits of shells. Due to the high selenium content of Brazil nuts, it is wise to crack and repeat only 3 -- 4 times per day.
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- Photo Credit Mallory Ferland
