Does anyone know how to open a completely unopened Pistachio nut?

[Atomic Shrimp]

Cheers - so as long as it opened before cooking its fine, if it smells OK when opened? I guess we have to rely on the chef having tested them pre cooking? I think the potential of opening a nasty one - may put me off the rest, so I think I'll still leave them.

I have to say that I generally leave them if they don't open, even after reading this article. It's only usually one or two mussels out of a whole pan full, in my experience, so I generally can't be bothered.

They don't have to open before cooking - in many cases, they will remain tightly shut until cooked, it's just that if they are open at all before cooking, they should close when disturbed, as this demonstrates that they are not simply dead.

 

[ColinEssex]

Besides attacking it with something hard and probably crushing the contents?

Is it worth the bother? The one or two in a packet of 500gms not split isn´t worth the bother - just bin them.

Col

 

[CarysW]

Is it worth the bother? The one or two in a packet of 500gms not split isn´t worth the bother - just bin them.

Col

*sigh*
The glass is always half empty for some people......

 

[ColinEssex]

*sigh*
The glass is always half empty for some people......

Yes, and personally I prefer to get on with the drink rather than worry about the status of the glass which is of no importance until it is empty awaiting a refil.

If a pistachio nut is completely closed - bin it, who cares?

Col

 

[Atomic Shrimp]

Alternatively, swallow it whole and let your digestive system sort out the shell.