Heartnuts have a hard shell. With a regular nutcracker, it is almost impossible to split them neatly along the seam and keep two halves of the heart. But with a hammer, it can be done.!
1. You will need:
- a hammer
- a nutcracker or pliers
- a flat knife
Make sure you work on a hard surface.
2. Hold the nut between your thumb and index finger, with the seam on the hard surface.
You can optionally place a tea towel under it.
3. Give the seam a firm tap with the hammer.
Repeat until you hear the shell spring open (usually after 2 or 3 taps).
4. Take the nut in the nutcracker and squeeze gently until the nut opens at the tip.
5. Insert the knife into the open point and move it along the seam around the nut.
Sometimes you have to pry gently.
6. Take out the kernels and keep the shells.
