Are you looking for a delicious, healthy snack that you can enjoy on the go?
Look no further than these speciality nuts! From the familiar peanuts and almonds to the more exotic cashews and macadamias, the world of speciality nuts is more diverse than you might think.
When most people think of nuts, they likely think of a few common types, like peanuts, almonds, and walnuts. While these nuts are undoubtedly delicious and popular, they only represent a small slice of the nut world.
In reality, dozens of nuts are available, each with a unique flavour and texture. In this blog post, we'll explore the surprisingly diverse and tasty world of speciality nuts and highlight the nutritional benefits they offer.
From the traditional to the exotic, let's discover why speciality nuts make such a great and healthy snack!
One of the most popular and commonly consumed nuts worldwide is almonds.
Native to the Middle East and Asia, almonds are harvested by tree-shaking or hand-picking. They're also packed with protein and fibre, making them a nutritious snack option when you're on the go.
Almonds are available in a variety of sweet and savoury flavours. The sweet options usually involve coating them in confectioners' sugar to enhance their flavour.
Known for their crunchy texture and mild taste, almonds are a popular snack for both children and adults, not to mention their many health properties.
Cashews are native to Brazil but are grown in many tropical regions worldwide.
These kidney-shaped nuts have a creamy texture and a mildly sweet flavour. Cashews are often sold roasted, but they can also be found raw.
Raw cashews are poisonous unless heated to very high temperatures, so be sure to buy roasted cashews if you plan on eating them as is. Cashews are often used in Indian cuisine, commonly ground into a paste and used as a base for curries.
Although hazelnuts are technically a fruit, they're often grouped with nuts due to their similar flavour and nutritional profile.
Native to Europe and Northern Africa, hazelnuts are harvested by hand or machine and are commonly used as an ingredient in confectionery products. Hazelnuts have a unique taste that is both sweet and savoury.
Due to their high oil content, hazelnuts are a common ingredient in creamy sauces and desserts.
Peanuts are a popular nut around the world and can be purchased in either salted or roasted varieties.
They have a soft texture and a mild flavour when eaten raw. Peanuts are commonly eaten as desserts or snacks, but they're also used in a wide variety of recipes, including bread and cookies.
Peanuts themselves have a very low nutritional content, but roasted peanuts are often consumed alongside salt, which boosts their nutritional value significantly. Peanuts are high in vitamin B6 and folate, as well as protein and fat.
Nuts are high in calories and fat, but studies have shown that eating nuts as part of a healthy diet and exercising can reduce our risk of developing heart disease or other health problems. Despite their many health benefits, nuts are also very high in calories—up to 160 calories per serving when eaten in larger amounts!
If you're concerned about your waistline, then be sure to limit your nut intake to one or two servings per day.
Pecans are an import from North America but are now grown around the world.
They have a sweet, nutty flavour and a smooth, buttery texture. Pecans are commonly used in baked goods and desserts but are also enjoyed as a snack on their own.
Due to their high level of fat and calories, pecans are best enjoyed in limited portions as part of a healthy meal plan. They're also packed with nutrients, which makes them a nutritious snack option!
Pistachios are small, green nuts that come encased in a hard shell.
These nuts originated in Asia but are now grown in many Mediterranean countries. Pistachios have a mildly sweet flavour and a crunchy texture.
They are often eaten as a snack but can also be used in cooking. For example, pistachios are sometimes used as a topping for ice cream or baked goods.
Macadamia nuts come from an evergreen tree that is native to Australia.
These large, oval-shaped nuts have a rich, buttery flavour. Macadamia nuts are sometimes used in baking, but they are most commonly eaten as a snack or added to salads or main dishes for extra flavour and crunch.
Be careful when eating macadamia nuts. However, they contain high amounts of fat and calories, so eating too many can lead to weight gain.
Walnuts are native to western Asia and the Mediterranean region. These nuts have a green outer husk paired with a brown inner shell.
Walnuts have a crunchy texture and a nutty flavour which come from the green hull of the nut. However, they also contain a chemical called juglone, which can have a negative impact on your body if consumed in high amounts.
For this reason, walnuts are often coated in confectioners' sugar or vegetable oil to mask their flavour. Walnuts are high in both fat and calories, so it's best to enjoy them in moderation as part of a healthy meal plan.
Due to their high-fat content, walnuts are thought to be heart-healthy; however, this has yet to be confirmed by science! However, walnuts are high in antioxidants and other nutrients, making them a nutritious snack option when enjoyed in moderation as part of a healthy meal plan.
If you're looking for a delicious and healthy snack, look no further than speciality nuts!
From peanuts and almonds to the more exotic cashews and macadamias, the world of speciality nuts is more diverse than you might think. Some nuts are eaten raw after being roasted, while others are ground into a paste and used in savoury or sweet dishes!
If you're looking to switch up your snacking routine, look no further than speciality nuts!
From pistachios to macadamias, these tasty and nutritious nuts are jam-packed with protein, fibre, and antioxidants. Whether you're looking for sweet or savoury snacks, you're sure to find a flavour that suits your tastes.
As you can see, there's a lot more to the world of nuts than meets the eye!
Not only are these delicious snacks bursting with nutrition and flavour, but with a bit of creativity, they're also extremely versatile. From sweet to savoury, savoury to spicy—no matter what your favourite flavour is, you're sure to find something to satisfy your taste buds!
Whether you're looking for nutritious snacks to take on the go or tasty dishes to serve up at home, these speciality nuts are sure to be a great addition to your meals. Next time you're looking for something new to snack on or something to add some extra flavour to your cooking, be sure to give one (or all) of these speciality nuts a try.
