Unlike other nut varieties that can be purchased unshelled, pistachios are often sold in the shell, leaving eaters up to their own devices to open the pieces to enjoy or use in recipes.

Both changes, the researchers note, are signs of a weaker, less-efficient bite. Eating nuts with soft shells had reduced their ability to eat nuts with harder shells—a change that could have ...

After gathering, the pine nuts need to be shelled. Some varieties have soft shells that can be removed by hand, while others ...

For a faster method, slit the rounded shell of the nut, bring to the boil in plenty of cold water and cook for 20 minutes. Leave the nuts in the hot water so that they stay warm and soft as you peel.