U have 2 layers to go to get to the nut meat. If u crack the green balls when fresh, your hands will be black with stain for about 10 days. U can knock the green hucks off with a hammer or let them set and dry out a little and it will be easier, too much makes it harder. In the south, I've seen ppl. but them in the drive-way and run over them with the car tires, then collectt the nuts in the shell. The shells R hard to crack too, and hard to pick out, but black walnut ice cream is my favorite. An old hill remedy is to boil the green hulls and bottle to use for sun spots and skin cancers but I don't know if it works or not.