How to remove the shell easily

First crack the solid shell

Almond trees are not a typical sight in the garden in our latitudes. That is why almonds with a hard shell are a rarity that we are rarely confronted with. However, if you do get hold of such specimens, you must first remove the wrapping from them.

The almond is a stone fruit and not a nut, as is often mistakenly assumed. Even so, the easiest way to remove its shell is with a nutcracker.

Edible, but not always desirable

Under the hard shell is an almond kernel that is brown on the outside and white on the inside. In supermarkets, the kernels are usually offered this way, because the brown skin is edible. However, some recipes call for peeled, white seeds. In this context, peeling and skinning refer to the same work process.

The knife fails, some tricks help

The knife peeling tool fails completely with almond kernels, because the kernels are small, hard and numerous. Time expenditure and result leave a lot to be desired.

So that the white interior appears undamaged and quickly, we have to use a few tricks.

Blanch or scald almonds

In order for the hard, dry almond skin to detach from the core, it must first be softened with water.

1. Put the required amount of seeds in a saucepan.
2. Add water until all of the kernels are completely covered.
3. Bring the contents of the pot to a boil.
4. Let the almonds cook over medium heat for about 2-5 minutes.
5. Then pour the hot contents through a sieve to catch the seeds.
6. Run cold tap water over it for about 20-30 seconds to deter the hot kernels.
7. Take the almonds between your fingers one at a time. Press lightly on the round end of the almond until the core slips out of the shell.

Tips for faster skinning

Peeling by hand is the most tedious part of the job, so use a few tricks to make it easier.

Take some blanched and quenched almonds between your hands and rub them against each other. In the process, many cores will slip out. But you can also try the kitchen towel method:

• Place a handful of seeds in a clean kitchen towel
• Close the cloth and rub through with your hands
• Open the cloth and separate the contents
• Repeat the process until all the almonds are free of skin

Let dry and continue processing

Peeled almonds don't keep as long as unpeeled. You should therefore only peel the almonds when you need them promptly. After the skinned kernels have dried, they can be further processed according to the recipe.

Conclusion for quick readers:

• Cracking: First crack the almonds in a firm shell with a nutcracker
• Tip: Don't buy if the core rattles inside. These almonds are old.
• Brown skin: is edible; but has to be removed for some recipes
• Problem: Is firmly attached to the core; cannot be peeled off with a knife
• Trick: Soften the bowl with water so that it dissolves more easily
• Step 1: cover the kernels with water; bring to a boil; Cook for 3-5 minutes
• Step 2: pour through sieve; Quench with cold tap water for 20-30 seconds
• Step 3: Press the thick end of the almond kernel with your finger; Core slips out
• Step 4: Remove the skin one after the other in this way
• Relief: put seeds in cloth; close; rub through; Separate content