Introduction: Crack an Apple in Half With Your Bare Hands
If you prefer the video version of the Instructable, you can see the process in this short video.
Step 1: Technique
This trick is all about the technique. As the video explains, humans are not strong enough to simply grab a hold of an apple and rip it apart. The secret is to use your hands in such a way that the harder you grip the more pressure is applied from the stem of the apple outward. Keep this idea in mind as we proceed to the next steps.
Step 2: Wiggle the Fleshy Part of Your Thumbs Into the Stem Area
Remove the stem and then wriggle the base of your thumbs (actually part of your palms) into where the stem was. The rest of your fingers go around the apple and rest on the bottom of the apple.
If you put your hands in this position without the apple and pull your fingers toward your wrists, you will notice that your thumbs roll out. This rolling is the force that will split the apple open.
Step 3: Grip and Roll
With your hands set as described in step 2 squeeze hard and let your thumbs roll outward. You will feel the ripping force increase as your grip tightens. As you grip harder, the apple will break in half.
Step 4: Some Things I Have Learned
1. Pretty much anyone can do this. I learned it from my mom and even my 12-year-old boy scouts can do it - even the skinny ones.
2. It sometimes helps to use your knee to strengthen your grip. Try pushing on your knee with you fingers as shown in the photo.
3. It sometimes helps to start out with a softer apple or a very crisp ripe one. If the apple is not ripe, it might be more difficult.
4. Size matters. You will eventually be able to crack all sizes, but it may be easier to start with one that fits comforably in your hand - not to big, not too small.
5. If you haven't already watched the video, then I recomend you do so. Sometimes its just easier to see done.
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47 Comments
10 months ago on Introduction
I can't fit the meaty part of my hand in the apples stem
2 years ago
TIL I've been doing it wrong. I've been putting my thumbtips in the stem area and my fingertips at the bottom then pulling them apart top down. This looks much easier.
8 years ago on Introduction
will this work on normal sized apples, or just those tiny things?
Reply 8 years ago on Introduction
When I was kid, there was a guy in my neighborhood with an amazing garden. He grew apples almost as big as a soccer ball. You could make a whole pie from just one. He often made the gift of one apple to the neighbors. Anyway, I'm not sure this works with his apples, but this will work with most apples you would come across.
Reply 8 years ago on Introduction
I guess I should try it, it's a little late for apples though, first frost has been and gone.
8 years ago on Introduction
A few extra tips to people trying this:
1. Start with Gala or Honeycrisp apples, they are the easiest to do, so you can learn the technique. Granny smith and other green apples are damn near impossible when you start out.
2. if the two palms together thing does not work for you, try one palm, and one thumb down in the stem, sometimes thats easier.
3. 'find the sweet spot' I always start out by putting a thumb in the stem, and sort of rotating the apple and feeling it, after a little practice, you sort of develop a feel for finding the direction to try and split the apple. They are all different, but there is generally a 'sweet spot' which the apple breaks along easier than other angles.
4. remember, your basicly pulling it in half, don't squeeze to much, but rather, think of it like opening a book that is stuck shut, with the spine at the base of the apple and the pages at the top, where your palms are.
8 years ago on Introduction
haha, rage quit.... I can't do that, maybe the apple is too small compare to my hand
8 years ago on Introduction
This is awesome I pranked my little brothers with this!
8 years ago on Introduction
Haha, six years later and you're featured! This is a really cool trick. I'll have to try it on the apple I packed for lunch.
Reply 8 years ago on Introduction
Yeah, that was nice. I think that this instructable was featured way back then. I didn't expect a second life.
Thanks for all the new views.
Reply 8 years ago
I was thinking the same thing lol
8 years ago on Introduction
it really is the simple things in life that we love...can't wait to try this!
8 years ago
it was easy
8 years ago on Introduction
I've tried it a while ago but didn't know the technique so i squished the apple instead of cracking it.
Thanks for your instructable! I will try your technique and hope for the best! :)
Reply 8 years ago on Introduction
Technique matters.
Reply 8 years ago on Introduction
hmmm...
I only have rotten apples and i can't crack them... :(
8 years ago on Introduction
Out of many attempts I've got this to work one time. It takes some practice and also the proper apple. But its totally possible.
Reply 8 years ago on Introduction
It is easier with some apples, but once you get the hang of it, you should be able to crack just about any apple.
8 years ago
Did this once at lunch at my high school. Everyone was mystified...
Until they discovered that they could do it, too.
Reply 8 years ago on Introduction
Its a simple trick I learned from my mom, but people are always impressed.