To bring out walnuts’ full flavor, don’t blanch, but do toast in a skillet. Walnuts are much more than flavor enhancers.
Usage, Storage & Purchase Tips
Walnut meal makes a great gluten free flour replacement in baked goods. As it may increase total fat content, the amount of oil typically added to the product should be adjusted to achieve an optimally finished product and texture. Remember, walnuts are best when freshly ground. When grinding, be careful as they turn into butter very quickly. Add a little flour or sugar in the recipe while grinding.
Walnut Pieces in Wet BattersWalnut pieces will sink to the bottom of a wet batter and cause uneven nut distribution in the finished product. Pre-coating the walnut with gum or starch will keep the nut suspended. Alternatively, lightly toasting the walnuts will dehydrate them and make them lighter, which willimprove the final suspension.
Walnuts’ unique shape and contours make it more challenging to remove the skin. The best way to blanch walnuts is to either first warm them in the oven or boil them in water and then rub the skins off. Blanched walnuts can be used to help developers create refined baked good products that will not have any discoloration from the walnut skins. Sometimes lighter colored walnuts are available and can be used as an alternative to blanching.
To prevent rancidity and extend finished product shelf life, the product should be packaged in materials that do not allow light or air to come into contact with the product. Resealable packaging is ideal for snack mixes, which may be opened and closed several times by the consumer. Nitrogen flushing (replacing the oxygen with nitrogen) can also extend the shelf life of unopened sealed product. Walnuts formulated with coatings like chocolate, starches, gums, egg whites and sugar will have a longer shelf life than plain or roasted walnuts because they are protected by the coated exterior.
How to blanch walnuts
FAQ
Do you blanch walnuts?
Should walnut skin be removed?
How do you get the green skin off walnuts?
Is walnut skin good for you?
Can You Blanch walnuts?
By blanching walnuts, you can remove the bitter skin and enhance their flavor. Here’s how you do it: first, bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the walnuts and let them simmer for about 2 minutes. Then, drain the walnuts and transfer them to a bowl of ice water to cool.
Should raw walnuts be washed before consumption?
You should always wash walnuts, as no one can be sure how they were stored or transported. Plus, washing them helps get rid of some of the phytic acid that walnuts contain. This is a compound that helps protect nuts from parasites, but it can also harm our bodies if consumed in excess.
How do you keep walnuts fresh?
Mason jars: Use jars with airtight lids, and make sure to fill them up to minimize air space. Vacuum sealers: Invest in a vacuum sealer to remove all the air from the packaging, keeping your walnuts super fresh. Remember, a tight seal means longer shelf life and tastier walnuts for all your culinary adventures.
How do you know if a walnut is good?
Give the shells a gentle squeeze – they should feel firm and sturdy. Avoid walnuts with soft or spongy shells, as this could be a sign of spoilage. Additionally, take a look at the color of the shells. Ideally, they should be a rich brown hue, indicating that the nuts are mature and flavorful.