Pecans are often a hard nut to crack — but it’s actually easier than you think! As fifth-generation pecan farmers, Pecan Nation has cracked more than a few shells. Here are our favorite, tried-and-true ways to open a pecan.
1. Go Old School and Crack by Hand
Follow these steps to learn how to crack pecans the old-fashioned way:
- Grab two big pecans.
- Align their long sides together in your palm.
- Close your hand into a fist and squeeze.
- Rotate and repeat until you hear a satisfying crack.
- Loosen the shell and pull it off.
2. Classic Crunch: The Nutcracker
A nutcracker is a kitchen staple. To crack a pecan, place it between the metal rods and squeeze. After the satisfying snap, open and enjoy!
By the way, some holiday nutcrackers are functional! Just be sure to check before using an heirloom or your favorite decoration.
3. Use Pliers DIY-Style
A nutcracker looks remarkably like another tool you probably have in your house: pliers. Like with a nutcracker, place the pecan between the jaws of the pliers and squeeze until the shell cracks. However, be sure to wipe down and sanitize your pliers before using them!
4. Boil for Easy Shelling
For more stubborn shells, try boiling your pecans before cracking with the following steps:
- Bring water in a saucepan to a boil.
- Reduce the boil to a simmer and add your pecans.
- Simmer the pecans in the pan for up to 15 minutes.
- Drain the water and place them on a baking sheet to cool.
- Once completely cooled, crack them by hand or with a nutcracker.
Get Cracking With Pecan Nation
Whether you’re in a time crunch or simply don’t want to add an extra step to your recipe, Pecan Nation pre-shells all our fresh pecans to send right to your door. Shop our store today!
