What most people commonly know as nuts, aren’t always nuts in the true definition of a nut. A true nut is a fruit that is both the seed and the fruit. For example cashews and walnuts aren’t truly nuts because they’re extracted from the fruit. For the purpose of this article, the nut will be used in the culinary definition, not the biological definition of a nut.
Most Common Varieties and Types of Nuts
There are literally hundreds of varieties and types of (culinary) nuts. Nuts come in all different sizes, shapes, colors and taste. Nuts are harvested, in one form or another, in almost every country in the world. They are often eaten as a snack by themselves or can be used in all kinds of dishes for added flavor. Some of the most popular varieties of nuts are walnuts, pecans, almonds, cashews, pistachios and macadamia nuts.
Pistachios Characteristics, Nutritional Value and Storage
Pistachios are a true nut and commonly eaten as a snack fresh from the shell, roasted or salted. One of the most popular ice cream varieties is of course pistachio. The pistachio has a unique nutty flavor and the shell is naturally tan in color, but is often dyed red. Pistachios are used in many dishes, but are more common in salads and deserts.
Pistachios Nutritional Value -1 cup, raw
- Pistachios are a good source of protein with 25 grams.
- Pistachios are also very high in dietary fiber with 13 grams and 685 calories.
- Pistachios are average by nut standards in total fat with 55 grams, which is about 84% of the daily value of fat in a 2000-calorie diet.
- Pistachios are a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E. Pistachios are extremely high in vitamin B6 with over 100% of the daily recommendation. Pistachios are also very high in thiamin, with over 70% of the daily recommendation.
- Pistachios are loaded with a large variety of many minerals.
Storing Pistachios
Since pistachio shells open when ripe, they have a somewhat limited storage life compared to many other nuts. If kept sealed in an airtight container in cold storage, the meat of the pistachio can be stored for up to 3 months. If frozen, the meat of the pistachio can be stored for up to 1 year.
Macadamia Nuts Characteristics, Nutritional Value and Storage
Even though most people in North America associate the Macadamia nut with Hawaii, Australia is also a large producer. Macadamias have a very hard shell, which is difficult to crack, so the large majority is purchased with the shell removed. Macadamia nuts are also used in various types of cooking, but are more commonly eaten as a snack. Flavored and chocolate covered macadamia nuts are also popular. The meat has a sweet rich flavor and is quite unique.
Macadamia Nuts Nutritional Value – 1 cup raw, whole or halves
- Macadamia nuts are a decent source of protein with 11 grams or 21% of the daily value of 2.000 calories
- Macadamia nuts are very high in dietary fiber with 12 grams and 962 calories.
- Macadamia nuts fat content is 102 grams, which is 156% of the daily value of fat in a 2000-calorie diet. However macadamia nuts are loaded with good fat with 276 milligrams of total omega-3 fatty acids.
- The only significant amount of vitamins in macadamia nuts is thiamin with 107% of the daily value. There is also 18% of the daily value of vitamin B6 and 17% niacin.
- Like most nuts, macadamia nuts are loaded with a large variety of many minerals with a whooping 277% of the daily value of manganese.
Storing Macadamia Nuts
Macadamia nuts don’t last long at room temperature due to the high fat content. If macadamia nuts are refrigerated in an airtight container, they can last up to 6 months. Frozen, macadamia nuts can last up to a year.
Like most nuts pistachios and macadamia nuts are high in fat content, but are actually low in saturated fats. The antioxidants in pistachios and especially macadamia nuts will actually help to reduce bad cholesterol levels. Because of the high omega-3 type fatty acids, macadamia nuts are considered one the most healthily of the nut varieties.
Source:
James Clausen - Clausen received a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration in Automotive Management and Marketing at Northwood University, graduating ...
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