Macadamia nuts are incredibly hard to break even if they have been boiled or roasted before. Usually the nutcracker doesn't work and less refined methods like a hammer end up destroying the hull which is delicate. Read on to find out two methods that work perfectly.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Use Parrot Pliers and Hammer
Step 1. Get the tools
You can crack your Macadamia nuts using parrot pliers, an iron bar to lean against, and a hammer.
- Parrot pliers are available in hardware stores. If you love this type of nuts and intend to shell them often, it is worth buying a tongs for this specific use (although it will come in handy for other jobs).
- Make sure the hammer has a flat, not rounded tip. You will need to apply force evenly on the shell.
- If you don't have an iron bar, any other hard, metal surface will do. Those made of marble, glass, steel or wood can be damaged so work on iron.
Step 2. Take the nut in the pliers
The seam of the shell should be upwards instead of against the inside of the jaws. Place the caliper at the tightest point.
Step 3. Place the nut against the metal bar
Hold the pliers very tightly with your hand to prevent the nut from slipping while hammering.
Step 4. Hit with the hammer
try to hit straight on the seam so that it opens sharply. Let the hammer kick back as the nut opens.
- You may need a few tries before you succeed, it depends on how much force you exert.
- Letting the hammer bounce is important because it prevents it from destroying the husk.
Step 5. Free the nut from the jaws of the pliers
The shell should fall off and the intact heart will be ready to eat or used in a recipe.
Method 2 of 2: A Rock with a hole
Step 1. Find a rock that has a hole
This method originated in Hawaii and is still widely used to break this type of nuts. The rock provides the solid surface to stabilize the walnut. Look for a hole that is large enough to hold the nut, but not too deep, so that it sticks out a bit.
- If you live near a volcano, you will find them in all sizes.
- If you live elsewhere, look for sandstone or shale with holes in it. There are people who manage to break them on the sidewalk, but beware - you could damage the sidewalk itself.
Step 2. Place the stone with the hole facing up
This will give you a good view when you hit to open the nut.
Step 3. Hit the walnut with a stone
Any one that is heavy and hard will do. Grab it firmly, lift it over your head then slam it against the shell. It should open perfectly.
- Let the stone bounce towards you slightly once you have made the hit. If you continue, you will pulp the walnut.
- If you have trouble breaking the shell, try different angles or rocks of different sizes and measurements.
Step 4. Pull out the nut
Take a look to make sure there is no debris stuck to the portion to be eaten. You can rinse it for safety.
Step 5. Finished
Advice
- Already shelled walnuts are never as good as the ones you break and the oil turns rancid when in contact with the air. Store open walnuts in the refrigerator for up to a week. Break only the ones you need to avoid wasting them.
- Broken shells are great for mulching.
- Pay attention to the bits of shell. They tend to fly everywhere when you hit. Better to do this in a place where it is easy to clean or cover everything with a newspaper that you can collect and throw away.
- According to some people, nuts placed in the freezer for a few hours are easier to break.
