Emma Miller
It is necessary to dry walnuts – if this is not done, then moisture will remain on the shells, and fungus and mold can occur. These harmful microorganisms will penetrate inside the walnut and provoke the rotting of the kernel.
How to wash and dry walnuts – basic rules
Given the fact that the conditions of transportation and storage of walnuts may not be the most favorable, it is better to wash them before cutting. It is necessary to do this for several reasons:
- Dust and dirt accumulate on the shell, which can get on the kernel;
- There can be parasite eggs, various bacteria, and viruses on the nuts;
- Walnuts are often treated with chemicals against moths and other insects.
Walnuts in the shell are not treated with chemicals – only peeled. That is why it is enough to rinse peeled nuts under running water.
If you bought a peeled product, it requires a different approach:
- pour the nuts into a colander;
- Rinse under running water;
- Rinse in warm boiled water.
Additionally, you can scald the nuts with boiling water – so you will definitely be able to kill all the pathogenic bacteria. In addition, it is important to take the nuts out of the water correctly. If you hold them with your hand, the particles of dirt from the bottom will stick to the shell again. Experienced hostesses recommend the use of a skimmer to minimize such risks.
How to soak walnuts – technology
Soaking is an alternative way to peel nuts. It is often used by raw eaters – the taste of walnuts after such a procedure becomes more delicate and softer.
There is nothing complicated about the soaking procedure: you need to put walnuts in a container, pour warm drinking water and leave for a few hours. Additionally, you can add 1 tbsp of baking soda to disinfect and disinfect the product. In the end, it is better to rinse the nuts one more time, ridding them of the remains of baking soda. Store nuts after soaking can be in the refrigerator for up to three days – then the product begins to spoil.
How to dry walnuts in the shell in the oven – tips
In order to quickly and easily dry raw walnuts, follow the instructions:
- spread the washed nuts on a dry towel to drain the water;
- Place them on a baking tray and preheat the oven to 40-45 ° C;
- Put the tray in the oven for three hours without closing the oven door;
- half an hour before the end of drying, increase the temperature to 60°C;
- Remove the tray and leave the nuts on the table until cooling.
Peeled walnuts can also be dried in the oven, but then you need:
- preheat the oven to 50°C;
- Place the peeled walnuts on a baking tray;
- put it in the oven without closing the door;
- Dry the nuts for 20-40 minutes, stirring them periodically.
It is categorically not recommended to raise the temperature in the oven, otherwise, the nuts may burn and then when used, begin to be bitter.
How to dry walnuts in the dryer – instruction
Electric dryer – a convenient device, with the help of which you can dry not only nuts but also other products – meat, fish, fruits, and vegetables. If you have such a device, you can safely use it to dry nuts.
You just need to put the nuts on the drier trays, turn them on and leave them for 5-6 hours. Loading of nuts should be minimal, otherwise, they will not dry properly. In between drying stages, crack and taste the nuts to make sure they are ready.
How to dry walnuts in the microwave – recommendations
Another option for drying walnuts is suitable for people who don’t know how to dry walnuts without the oven. Rinse the walnuts under running water, spread them out on a towel, and leave them for 15 minutes. Place in a microwave mold in a single layer, turn the oven on to 750 kW, and put the nuts in for 8 minutes. If you set the power to 1000 kW, 5 minutes will be enough. Place the hot kernels on the table to cool completely. You can use this method if you don’t have a lot of nuts.
You can also dry nuts naturally – in the sun. But in the fall, winter, and early spring, when the weather is unpredictable, this option can not be called a good one. Any change in air temperature will affect the speed and quality of drying nuts.
