Hazelnuts are a delicious and healthy snack that can be eaten on their own or used in a variety of recipes. However, the biggest challenge when using hazelnuts is peeling off their skin. Hazelnut skin can be tough and difficult to remove, but there are several easy ways to peel them quickly and efficiently.
In this article, we’ll discuss some of the easiest ways to peel hazelnuts, from using hot water to baking them in the oven. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or an amateur cook, these methods will help you peel hazelnuts without causing too much frustration or loss of time. So, let’s get started and discover some of the best ways to peel hazelnuts like a pro!
The Traditional Method Of Peeling Hazelnuts And Its Drawbacks
The traditional method of peeling hazelnuts involves roasting them in the oven, then rubbing them in a cloth or towel to remove the skins. While this method is effective in removing the skin, it can be time-consuming and messy. The roasting process can also cause the hazelnuts to become overly toasted or burnt, resulting in a bitter taste.
Furthermore, the rubbing and peeling process can be quite tedious, especially if you have a large batch of hazelnuts to peel. This can be particularly frustrating if you’re trying to make a recipe that requires a significant amount of hazelnuts. As such, many people have been searching for a simpler and more efficient way to peel hazelnuts.
The Advantages Of Roasting And Blanching Hazelnuts Before Peeling
Roasting and blanching hazelnuts before peeling have several advantages that make the task much easier. Firstly, roasting the nuts loosens the skin from the kernel, making it easier to peel off. It also enhances the rich, nutty flavor of the hazelnuts, making them perfect for use in desserts and baked goods.
Blanching the nuts involves boiling them in water for a few minutes, then quickly plunging them into cold water to stop the cooking process. This method further loosens the skin, making it easier to remove. Blanching also helps to remove any dirt or debris that may be stuck to the nuts, ensuring that they are clean and safe for consumption. By taking these simple steps, peeling hazelnuts becomes a breeze, taking very little time and effort, making them perfect for use in all your favorite culinary creations.
Using A Food Processor To Easily Remove Hazelnut Skin
If you have a food processor at home, you can make use of it to easily remove the skin of hazelnuts. The process requires minimal effort and saves you a lot of time.
Start by roasting the hazelnuts in an oven at 350°F for approximately 10-15 minutes. Once they’re done, let them cool down for a while before placing them inside a food processor. Turn on the device and pulse the hazelnuts for about 20-30 seconds or until you get the desired texture. Then, transfer the nuts to a clean kitchen towel and gather the ends of the towel to create a makeshift pouch. Rub the bundled hazelnuts inside the towel for about 1-2 minutes, and the skins will fall off quickly without much hassle. After removing the skin, store the hazelnuts in an airtight container, and use them for your recipes as desired.
Experimenting With Boiling Techniques To Achieve Perfectly Peeled Hazelnuts
Boiling hazelnuts is a popular technique used to easily peel off their skins. The process involves boiling the hazelnuts in a pot of water for a few minutes. Once boiled, the nuts are transferred into a bowl of cold water, and their skins are easily removed by rubbing them with your fingertips.
However, experimenting with boiling techniques requires some precision and patience. To achieve perfectly peeled hazelnuts, ensure that the water is not too hot; otherwise, the nuts’ soft interiors can get damaged. Also, timing is crucial – boiling them for too long can cause the nuts to become mushy, while not boiling them enough makes it challenging to remove their skins. With some practice and careful attention to detail, boiling hazelnuts can become your go-to method for peeling them effortlessly.
Using A Hazelnut Cracker To Safely And Quickly Separate The Nut From The Skin
Using a hazelnut cracker is one of the easiest and safest ways to separate hazelnuts from their skins quickly. Hazelnut crackers are designed to help you crack the shell of the nut without damaging the nut itself or your fingers. You can find hazelnut crackers in stores or online, and they are usually affordable and simple to use.
To use a hazelnut cracker, place the hazelnut in the cracker, then use the tool to gently apply pressure to the shell. The shell will crack open, allowing you to remove the nut without much effort. Hazelnut crackers are ideal for those who want to separate hazelnuts quickly in large quantities, such as to make desserts or nut butter. Overall, using a hazelnut cracker provides a quick, efficient, and safer alternative to traditional methods of peeling hazelnuts.
The Benefits Of Purchasing Pre-Peeled Hazelnuts For Convenience
Purchasing pre-peeled hazelnuts can significantly speed up the process of preparing your favorite recipes that call for hazelnuts. With pre-peeled hazelnuts, you can save time and effort spent on cracking and peeling them yourself. This is especially convenient for those who frequently use hazelnuts in their cooking or baking as they can easily and quickly incorporate them into their recipes without having to go through the tedious process of shelling them first.
Another benefit of purchasing pre-peeled hazelnuts is that they are available year-round, whereas fresh hazelnuts are typically only available during the fall harvest season. In addition, pre-peeled hazelnuts are often vacuum-packed to maintain their freshness, making them a great option for those looking for a longer shelf life. Overall, purchasing pre-peeled hazelnuts can help simplify the cooking process and make it more convenient for home chefs while still providing the same great taste and nutrition as unpeeled hazelnuts.
Tips For Storing And Maintaining Freshly Peeled Hazelnuts.
Once you have successfully peeled your hazelnuts, it is important to store them correctly to maintain their freshness. Firstly, keep them in an airtight container or freezer bag to prevent any loss of flavor or moisture. You can store them in the fridge for up to one month or in the freezer for up to six months.
It is also important to maintain the quality and flavor of the hazelnuts while they are in storage. To ensure this, avoid exposing them to light or heat and make sure they are far away from any food with a strong odor. Additionally, try to avoid touching them with your bare hands as this can transfer oils and flavors that can affect the taste of the nuts. By following these tips, you can enjoy fresh, flavorful hazelnuts for many months.
Wrapping Up
Peeling hazelnuts can be quite a tedious and time-consuming task, but with the right technique and tools, it can be made much easier. One of the easiest ways to peel hazelnuts is by roasting them and then rubbing them vigorously in a towel or between one’s hands. Another effective method is to boil the nuts in water and baking soda for a few minutes before plunging them into ice-cold water and removing the skins.
Whether you’re making a crunchy homemade hazelnut spread or a classic praline, using peeled hazelnuts can make all the difference in your end product. With these simple techniques, you can save both time and effort, leaving you with more time to enjoy the delicious and nutty goodness of hazelnuts in your favorite recipes.