Brazil nuts are a delicious and nutritious snack, but their thick, tough shells can be a challenge to crack open.
Fortunately, with the right tools and techniques, you can easily access the large, meaty interior that’s both sweet and bitter.
In this article, we’ll show you how to open a Brazil nut with a nutcracker, as well as some tips and tricks to make the process even easier.
So grab your nutcracker and let’s get cracking!
How To Open A Brazil Nut With A Nutcracker
To start, place the Brazil nuts in a pot of cool water and bring it to a boil. Boil the nuts for about 3 minutes. Drain the hot water and immediately plunge the hot, boiled Brazil nuts in a bowl of very cold water or ice water to soak for about 2 minutes. Alternatively, freeze the nuts for 6 hours or roast them in a pan at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15 minutes. These tricks help soften the tough shell so the nuts open more easily.
Next, insert the nut in a nutcracker or a simple pair of pliers. If you look at a Brazil nut from one end, it is vaguely triangular in shape. Line up the Brazil nut so the straight side rests in the grooves of the nutcracker or pliers, rather than the angled sides of the nut.
Squeeze the nutcracker or pliers handle as hard as possible to clamp down on the Brazil nut and crack the shell. You might need to reposition the nut and squeeze the nutcracker in a few different places before the shell actually cracks.
Once you’ve cracked open the shell, extract the kernel from the shell and let it dry. Your success at cracking your nut will solely depend on your strength. You should apply minimal force to avoid crushing the nut kernel and rotate it in the grip of the nutcracker so that the shell cracks slowly.
Why Brazil Nuts Are Worth The Effort
Brazil nuts may be challenging to crack open, but they are definitely worth the effort. These nuts are packed with beneficial nutrients and minerals, including selenium, which is essential for proper body function. In fact, Brazil nuts are one of the most concentrated dietary sources of selenium, with just one nut providing about 160% of the recommended daily intake of this trace mineral.
Eating Brazil nuts may benefit your health in several ways. They can help regulate your thyroid gland, reduce inflammation, and support your heart, brain, and immune system. Brazil nuts are also an excellent source of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
In addition to their nutritional value, the strange way that Brazil nuts grow makes them even more fascinating. These nuts are produced by large, woody capsules that look like coconuts and contain anywhere between 8 and 24 nuts inside. The trees that produce Brazil nuts have incredibly specific ecological requirements that involve orchids, bees, and a small mammal called the agouti. Without these key elements, Brazil nut trees can’t survive or reproduce.
So while cracking open a Brazil nut may require some effort and patience, the health benefits and unique growing process make them a superfood worth trying. Incorporating Brazil nuts into your diet can provide you with many essential nutrients and improve your overall health.
Choosing The Right Nutcracker
When it comes to choosing the right nutcracker for cracking Brazil nuts, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, consider the type of nut you’ll be cracking. Brazil nuts are relatively large and have a tough shell, so you’ll need a nutcracker that’s strong enough to handle them.
One option is a heavy-duty nutcracker, like Anwenk’s Heavy Duty Nutcracker Tool or Hiware’s All Steel Nutcracker. Both of these tools are designed to crack different types of soft to medium-hard shelled nuts, including Brazil nuts. Anwenk’s nutcracker is manufactured in the shape of a plier with a deep cup-shaped design, which keeps the nut in place and prevents the shells from flying out when pressed. Its inner wall has a groove-like design to firmly grip the nut. Hiware’s nutcracker is made from nickel plated all steel construction which is strong and sturdy and highly durable. It is mounted on a beautiful hardwood base that sits securely on any kitchen countertop or table.
Another option is a conventional nutcracker, which is made from two pieces of wood or metal that are joined by a hinge. When using a nutcracker, put the nut near the hinge. Line it up so that the straight side rests on the grooves of the nutcracker and grip hard. Once the shell is broken, extract the kernel from the shell and let it dry.
No matter which type of nutcracker you choose, make sure it has an ergonomic grip that reduces the stress on your palm and fingers. This will make it easier and more comfortable to crack open tough nuts like Brazil nuts.
How To Position The Nut For Cracking
Before positioning the nut for cracking, it’s important to assess the shape and size of the nut and the type of nutcracker you will be using. If using a percussion nutcracker, such as a hammer or rock, place the Brazil nut in a pitted area and hit it with the striking tool to crack the shell. For a lever nutcracker, locate the fulcrum and position the nut between the hinge and your hand for direct pressure cracking.
If using a screw mechanism nutcracker, place the nut in the designated area and apply pressure until the shell cracks. However, if using a pair of pliers or a simple nutcracker, position the nut so that the straight side rests in the grooves of the tool, rather than the angled sides of the nut. This will ensure that the tool applies pressure to the strongest part of the shell, making it easier to crack.
Once you have positioned the nut correctly, squeeze the handle of the tool as hard as possible to clamp down on the Brazil nut and crack the shell. You may need to reposition and squeeze in different areas until you hear a crack. Remember to apply minimal force to avoid crushing the kernel and rotate it in the grip of the tool so that the shell cracks slowly. With these tips, you’ll be able to crack open Brazil nuts with ease!
Applying The Right Amount Of Pressure
When using a nutcracker to open a Brazil nut, it’s important to apply the right amount of pressure. If you apply too much pressure, you risk crushing the kernel and making it difficult to retrieve the edible pieces. On the other hand, if you don’t apply enough pressure, the shell may not crack open.
To ensure that you’re applying the right amount of pressure, start by squeezing the nutcracker or pliers handle slowly. Once you feel resistance, stop squeezing and assess whether the shell has cracked open. If it hasn’t, apply a little more pressure until you see the shell start to crack.
It’s important to note that cracking open a Brazil nut with a nutcracker can be a bit tricky, and it may take some practice to get it right. Be patient and don’t get discouraged if it takes a few tries to crack open your nut successfully.
Dealing With Stubborn Nuts
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, certain Brazil nuts can be particularly stubborn and refuse to crack open with a nutcracker. In such cases, you can try a few different methods to get the job done.
One option is to use a hammer. Place the nut inside a cloth towel and find a hard surface, such as a kitchen counter. Gently hit the walnut inside the cloth with the hammer until the shell cracks open.
Another method is to use a dull knife. Locate the seam at the back of the nut, where there should be a small lip, and insert the tip of the knife. While firmly holding the nut, use the knife to pry the two pieces of the shell apart until it’s open. However, be extremely careful not to let the knife slip and hurt yourself.
If all else fails, you can try soaking the nuts in water for a longer period of time or roasting them for a bit longer than recommended. These methods may further soften the shell and make it easier to crack open.
Remember to always apply minimal force when cracking open Brazil nuts to avoid crushing the kernel inside. With patience and practice, you’ll soon become an expert at cracking open these delicious and nutritious nuts.
Tips For Easier Cracking
Here are some tips to make cracking Brazil nuts easier:
1. Soak the nuts in water: Boil the nuts for about 3 minutes and then soak them in cold water for about 2 minutes. This helps to soften the shell and makes it easier to crack.
2. Freeze the nuts: Put the nuts in the freezer for about 6 hours before cracking them. Freezing helps to contract the nut’s shell, making it easier to crack.
3. Roast the nuts: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and roast the nuts for about 15 minutes. This helps to dry out the shell and makes it easier to crack.
4. Use a nutcracker or pliers: Line up the Brazil nut so the straight side rests in the grooves of the nutcracker or pliers, rather than the angled sides of the nut. Squeeze the nutcracker or pliers handle as hard as possible to clamp down on the Brazil nut and crack the shell.
5. Use a sharp knife: If you have steady hands, you can use a sharp knife to crack the shells of nuts. Place the knife’s tip into the nut’s hinge or seam, twist the knife to force the hinge or seam open, and split open the shell.
By following these tips, you can crack open Brazil nuts more easily and enjoy their delicious flavor and health benefits.