Tricks for shelling pistachios?

[sadistick]

The wifey recently was gifted a big bag o nuts, pistachios to be exact.

I was wondering if anyone had any tricks to getting the shells off of those ones that are nearly close, but have a little crack, or even no crack at all.

I hate wasting and it would be a shame to throw them out - as the old saying goes, waste not want not! TooTrue!

[heidih]

Not particularly recommended, but does the trick: use your teeth getting a tooth edge into the opening. If gentle pressure does not split it at once, discard. Dental expenses rule the cots/benefit analysis. You should not be getting more than 10% duds.

[judiu]

Tiny small screwdriver will usually do the trick! You know, the kind you use on a computer...

[Anna N]

A dime or sometimes a quarter.

[dcarch]

Use a pair of locking pliers.

The jaw opening of locking pliers is adjustable. This allows you to crack open the shell without crashing the nut inside.

dcarch

http://www.irwin.com/uploads/products/large/the-original-curved-jaw-locking-pliers-1126.jpg

[JoNorvelleWalker]

I have been known to use a vise.

[Dave the Cook]

The most effective tool I've found for levering open a reluctant pistachio is another pistachio shell.

[heidih]

Pretty much the same techniques we discussed here http://forums.egullet.org/topic/136556-cracking-pistachios/

[naguere]

Be warned, pistachios are seriously addictive,

beer and pistachios even more so.

I have had a sore thumb many a time from shelling them sat outside my tent, watching the sun set

[Shel_B]

Not particularly recommended, but does the trick: use your teeth getting a tooth edge into the opening. If gentle pressure does not split it at once, discard. Dental expenses rule the cots/benefit analysis. You should not be getting more than 10% duds.

I use a shell half from a previous nut, and use it to pry open any that can't be easily opened by hand (fingers).

[Shel_B]

The most effective tool I've found for levering open a reluctant pistachio is another pistachio shell.

Bingo! Saw this post after posting my comment ...

[Shalmanese]

I just crunch them between my molars until I feel the shell crack, then fish them out to extract the meat.

[Anna N]

I just crunch them between my molars until I feel the shell crack, then fish them out to extract the meat.

What I would most likely shell out would be three or four grand to my dentist to repair plates and bridges. My family experience suggests that there are better ways to extract nut meats. I keep a couple of thumb screw drivers handy for pistachios.

[dcarch]

Trust me, the method I mentioned above works.

Works for nuts totally not cracked.

Works for other nuts also, just adjust the jaws wider.

dcarch

[Shel_B]

Trust me, the method I mentioned above works.

Works for nuts totally not cracked.

Works for other nuts also, just adjust the jaws wider.

I, for one, don't doubt you. I just don't carry a toolkit with me wherever I go, and I often snack on nuts outside of and away from home, mine or other's.

[basquecook]

I usually toss them. But, when I am down to the end, i break them open in my mouth

Edited November 8, 2013 by basquecook (log)

[gfweb]

Pistachios grossed me out after I got a bag that was filled w worms and webs when I opened it. IF I ever buy another bag it spends the night in the freezer first.

[basquecook]

mmm, cold worms.

[gfweb]

mmm, cold worms.

Well it wasn't wormy when I bought it. Eggs hatched etc. I'll happily eat cold invisible eggs, but webs and worms are where I draw the line.

It was a couple years ago. I've only had a stray pistachio at a bar since then.