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The kernel extraction quality in walnut is important in terms of consumer satisfaction. In this work, the kernel extraction quality was studied in order to improve the industrial cracking process of walnut. Cracking process was carried out at length, width, and suture cracking positions through a compression device for eight walnut cultivars cultivated in Turkey. The best kernel extraction quality was generally obtained at width cracking position. The kernel extraction quality was also inversely correlated with shell thickness for all cracking positions and the correlation between shell thickness and the kernel extraction quality was significant. In addition, the cracking force, deformation at cracking point, and energy absorbed during cracking were also determined for the walnut cultivars. The highest values of these three mechanical properties were obtained at width cracking position for all the cultivars, followed by length and suture cracking positions.