How to Get the Coating Off of Walnuts
Walnuts are healthy; use them in a variety of recipes, including salads, appetizers and as a crust for main-course meat and fish dishes. However, walnuts often have a dark coating that leaves them with a bitter taste, which may not suit your tastes or particular recipe. You can remove the coating quickly, but do so well before you need the walnuts, as they must be completely dry before use. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Walnuts
- Large measuring cup
- Cold, clean water
- Large stockpot or saucepan with tight-fitting top
- Kitchen strainer
- Clean sponge (if necessary)
- Cookie sheet
- Paper towels
Instructions
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1
Measure the amount of walnuts you want to remove the coating from in a large measuring cup.
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2
Measure enough cold, clean water into a large stockpot or saucepan to cover the walnuts by 1 cup.
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3
Bring the water-filled stockpot or saucepan to the boil over "High" heat.
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4
Add the walnuts to the stockpot or saucepan full of boiling water and allow them to boil for two minutes.
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5
Drain the walnuts in a kitchen strainer. Run cold water from the tap over them for two minutes, shaking regularly.
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6
Gently rub the coating off of the walnuts with clean fingers. If some do not allow for easy removal, use a clean sponge used for food only.
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7
Transfer the walnuts to a cookie sheet lined with paper towels. Place an additional layer of paper towels on top of the walnuts.
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8
Allow the walnuts to dry for 90 minutes before using them or storing them in an airtight container for up to six months.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Avoid using your hand to stir the walnuts in the strainer. Instead, shake the strainer basket. Some walnuts may still be extremely hot for several minutes.
Wear heavy oven gloves when pouring the boiling water out of the saucepan or stockpot, and always tilt the edge away from your face to avoid burning your face with steam.
Resources
- Photo Credit walnuts image by Maria Brzostowska from Fotolia.com