An image of metal utensils cradled in a nut-shaped bowl captured internet attention recently. They looked like weapons but turned out to be nut picking tools.
Everyone knows nutcrackers — metal pliers used to crack shells. They come in many forms and sizes, some designed for shellfish as well.
Nut picks are smaller tools used after cracking, designed to fish out the nut meat from broken shells without damage.
These picks can be metal, wood, plastic, simple or decorative.
Internet users reminisced about cracking nuts by hand and using these picks, also noting lobster and crab meat extraction as another use.
Some commenters shared artistic uses or joked about dental applications.
Others identified them as olive picks used to prevent handling food with fingers.
Though basic in design, these picks are important for enjoying certain nuts and seafood.
Think of your own nut cracking experiences — have you used such tools? Share your memories and opinions.
