How do you peel a walnut or almond if needed (blanching)?

Question

Need to peel nuts? Learn the simple blanching trick that makes the skins on almonds and walnuts slip right off for recipes and baking.

Answer 1

Blanching is the most effective way to peel walnuts or almonds. Briefly boil them in water, then shock them in ice water to loosen the skins for easy removal.

Detailed Explanation:

Blanching is a simple process that uses heat to loosen the skins of nuts, making them much easier to peel. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Boil Water: Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil. Make sure there's enough water to fully submerge the nuts.
2. Add Nuts: Carefully add the walnuts or almonds to the boiling water.
3. Blanch Briefly: Blanch the nuts for a short period. For almonds, this is typically 60-90 seconds. For walnuts, 30-60 seconds is usually sufficient. The exact time depends on the freshness and size of the nuts. You'll notice the skins starting to wrinkle.
4. Shock in Ice Water: Immediately transfer the nuts to a bowl of ice water. This stops the cooking process and further loosens the skins. Let them sit in the ice water for a minute or two.
5. Peel: Drain the nuts and gently squeeze each nut between your fingers. The skin should slip off easily. If the skin is still stubborn, you may need to blanch them for a few more seconds.
6. Dry: Once peeled, spread the nuts on a clean kitchen towel or baking sheet to dry completely before using or storing.

Pro Tip:

Don't over-blanch the nuts! Blanching them for too long can make them soft and mushy. It's better to under-blanch and then blanch for a few more seconds if needed.