I've seen something similar used in the Middle East for almonds. When they come from the trees, they usually have some peel around the shell. When that dries it has to be separated. Now I never had a very close look at the hing - I just ate the almonds. Also, I doubt that they have almonds in New Jersey, but maybe they grow something similar
Lou Leviticus
Lester F. Larsen Tractor Test and Power Museum
402-472-8389
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