Nuts

NutsTo a botanist, a nut is a dry fruit encased in a hard shell which is the ovary wall of the plant. In common usage, however, if a plant looks like a nut, tastes like a nut, and cracks like a nut, it is a nut. Many so-called nuts are actually seeds. Examples of these faux nuts are almonds, cashews, pine nuts, Macadamia nuts, pistachios, Brazil nuts, and walnuts. Peanuts are not nuts, but legumes.

Although high in oil content and, therefore, high in calories, nuts (whether botanist’s type or not) are high in nutritional value. They contain vitamins E, F, and G; magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, copper, and selenium; and Omega 3, linoleic, and linolenic fatty acids. Many nutritionists recommend daily consumption of nuts. They make an ideal snack food.

Nuts Shelf Life
PantryRefrigeratorFreezer
Nuts, Unsalted- -- -9-12 months
Nuts, Salted- -- -6-8 months
Nuts, Unshelled6 months- -- -
Nuts, Shelled4 months6 months- -
Handling Tips: 
Nuts can get rancid so, before eating or serving them, sniff. If rancid, they'll have a bad odor and a bitter taste and should be discarded.
Source(s): 
Boyer, Renee, and Julie McKinney. "Food Storage Guidelines for Consumers." Virginia Cooperative Extension (2009): n. pag. Web. 7 Dec 2009.

Penn State Cooperative Extension, Northampton County "Food Safety--Is It Still Good To Eat?" http://northampton.extension.psu.edu/Nutrition/safe_to_eat.html

Specific Nuts Products

 
 

You must be logged in to post a comment or question.

Sign In or Register for free.