Easiest Way To Skin Hazelnuts

Easiest Way To Skin Hazelnuts

The most common way to remove skins of hazelnuts is to toast them and then rubbing in a towel.  It can still leave some skin stubbornly hanging on.  Here's a better approach.  Boil 1 cup of untoasted hazelnuts in 2 cups water with 3 Tablespoons baking soda for 3 minutes.  Transfer the nuts to a bowl of ice water with a slotted spoon, drain, and slip the skins off with a towel.

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The hot alkaline water quickly breaks down the pectin, the primary component in the skins, allowing them to peel off not only more easily but also completely.  Place nuts to dry in an oven with a very low setting, shaking the pan frequently to rotate the nuts.