If they’re green: Put them in a pot, add water to cover and much too much salt. Boil 2 or 3 hours until the hardest ones are tender. Eat ’em as a snack. If they’re dried: put them in a pot of water and bring them to a boil. Cut off the fire and let them stand overnight or at least 6-8 hours. Then boil in salted water for 4 to 5 hours, until the nut inside the shell is tender.