Whether as a topping for the parsnip soup or as an integral part of the trail mix – nuts are at the top of the nutrition plan because they contain many valuable fatty acids and calories. We list: these are the most important types of nuts that should not be missing in your kitchen.
Do nuts equal nuts?
Before we start with our nut types overview, you should know that not every nut is really a nut. From a botanical point of view, for example, peanuts or pecans are not considered nut species at all.
Already knew?
…by definition, a fruit counts as a nut if it has a lignified pericarp made up of three layers. The nut is therefore also referred to as a “lock fruit”. If this is not the case, the treat is not a nut – even if the name is included in the name, as with the peanut.
Our list focuses on the taste, the ingredients, as well as the intended uses, which is why we are disregarding the botany at this point.
Nut types at a glance
There are many different types of nuts. In our list, you will find a variety of nut types with their properties and ingredients. Click through.
Cashew nuts
As the name suggests, the cashew nut is a kernel (kernel of the cashew apple) and not a nut. But due to the high content of filling carbohydrates, this one should not be missing from our list. Cashew nuts contain a lot of magnesium, iron, and phosphorus and are therefore particularly high sources of energy for the body.
Nutritional values per 100g
- 44g fat
- 18g protein
- 30g carbohydrates
- 553 calories
With their mild, slightly buttery taste, cashew nuts go well with rice and pasta dishes, as well as poultry, fish, vegetables, and salads. They are also great in our carrot green pesto. Already tried?
Peanuts
As the actual legume, the peanut is also one of the “wrong” nuts. The high content of oleic and linoleic acid makes peanuts an important part of the diet. When roasted, peanuts are even more nutritious – because then they contain a lot of folic acids and especially vitamin E, which is a miracle cure for our immune system.
Note: Our body cannot produce vitamin E itself. Small helpers such as roasted peanuts should therefore definitely be on the menu.
Nutritional values per 100g
- 48.10g fat
- 25.3g protein
- 7.48g carbohydrates
- 599 calories
The peanut has a mild and light taste and is reminiscent of beans when not roasted. It is an important part of Asian cuisine: whether in sauces, soups, or directly as a side dish. You can find out here how you can easily make delicious peanut butter yourself.
Hazelnuts
The hazelnut is one of the botanically “real” nuts. Their high vitamin E content provides plenty of antioxidants that help prevent cardiovascular disease. But not only that, but the hazelnut also contains a lot of unsaturated fatty acids that bring power to the brain.
Note: The nougat taste of the hazelnut comes out particularly well when roasted, but valuable fats and vitamins are destroyed.
Nutritional values per 100g
- 61.6g fat
- 12g protein
- 10.5g carbohydrates
- 644 calories
The rather sweet hazelnut is a dessert cracker! They are mainly used to refine pastries, cakes, or biscuits.
Coconuts
Contrary to all assumptions, the coconut is also not a nut, but a stone fruit. Due to their high water content, coconuts contain very little fat and are therefore the slimming products in our overview. The coconut water contained in the coconut is also a good source of nutritional value – the high potassium content is particularly beneficial for athletes.
Nutritional values per 100g
- 36.5g fat
- 3.9g protein
- 4.8g carbohydrates
- 363 calories
The distinctively sweet coconut is often associated with sweet foods or drinks. However, coconut is also suitable for refining hearty dishes such as curries or soups.
Macadamia
With their high proportion of omega-3 fatty acids, macadamia nuts are real nutritional bombs, which makes them the healthiest of the nut types. It is not without reason that the macadamia bears the title “Queen of Nuts”. Above all, the cardiovascular system really gets going with it.
Note: As healthy as macadamia is, note that it is very high in calories.
Nutritional values per 100g
- 73g fat
- 7.5g protein
- 4 grams of carbohydrates
- 703 calories
The crunchy macadamia is buttery and mild. Due to their sweetness, they are mostly used for the preparation of pastries such as biscuits, brownies, or cakes.
Almonds
Almonds are stone fruits. The magnesium it contains and its high vitamin E content protect our cells and have an antioxidant effect. There are two types of almonds: sweet almonds and bitter almonds. The sweet variant can be eaten raw without hesitation, whereas bitter almonds contain toxic hydrocyanic acid. For a classic Christmas stollen, however, they are essential.
Nutritional values per 100g
- 53 grams of fat
- 24g protein
- 5.7g carbohydrates
- 589 calories
The sweet almond has its place in the kitchen, especially when it comes to sweets and desserts. Whether in marzipan, nougat, or brittle – the almond is really the most versatile of our nut types.
Chestnuts
Chestnuts, also known as sweet chestnuts, are again one of the real types of nuts and, with their low-calorie content, are one of the light nut treats. Nevertheless, the chestnut has a lot of power, as it contains all kinds of fiber and vitamin C.
Note: Edible or sweet chestnuts are often prepared like vegetables and eaten less as nuts to nibble on. You can also make a delicious chestnut soup out of it.
Nutritional values per 100g
- 2g fat
- 2g protein
- 41g carbohydrates
- 192 calories
Chestnuts are a typical snack at Christmas time. We recommend boiled chestnuts especially with hearty game dishes as a vegetable or in puree form as a side dish.
Brazil nuts
The Brazil nut, which comes from Brazil, is the food with the highest proportion of selenium, which strengthens the immune system and protects our cells from free radicals. So you should definitely have this snack on your list when it comes to valuable types of nuts.
Note: The Brazil nut is susceptible to mold. You should therefore process them immediately.
Nutritional values per 100g
- 68.1g fat
- 16.96g protein
- 4.1g carbohydrates
- 697 calories
In terms of appearance and taste, the Brazil nut is reminiscent of the mild, slightly sweet almond. Whether in a cake, covered with chocolate, or with a good cheese – the Brazil nut has a lot to offer.
Pecans
With plenty of unsaturated fatty acids and many vitamins, the pecan nut has a particularly good effect on blood sugar levels and is therefore recommended for diabetics. Athletes can also recharge their batteries with the protein-rich nut.
Tip: Unpeeled pecan nuts can be stored in the refrigerator for up to six months.
Nutritional values per 100g
- 72g fat
- 9.2g protein
- 4.3g carbohydrates
- 721 calories
The pecan nut is a classic topping for light dishes such as salads, poultry, or cheese. The nut is also often found in sweet mueslis and desserts.
Pine nuts
As the name suggests, the small peeled kernels of the pine are not really botanical nuts. Nevertheless, they are on everyone’s lips as a nutty snack. With their high vitamin B1 and B2 content, they support the functions of our nervous system. Children, in particular, can benefit from these vitamins, as they also ensure healthy growth.
Note: Roasting pine nuts makes them even more aromatic. But watch out: the small cores have it all in terms of price.
Nutritional values per 100g
- 60g fat
- 13g protein
- 20g carbohydrates
- 674 calories
Roasted pine nuts are an important part of Mediterranean cuisine, for example in Turkish or Italian cuisine – whether as a topping for salads, in combination with cheese, or in the classic pesto.
Pistachios
The pistachio is a stone fruit that, with its high iron content, is said to help lower cholesterol levels. Traditionally, pistachios are gently roasted to preserve their flavor and nutritional value. The small snack in between is not only delicious but can also provide employment if you think about cracking the casings.
Nutritional values per 100g
- 55g fat
- 15g protein
- 10g carbohydrates
- 615 calories
If you don’t just snack on pistachios, you can make all sorts of sweets out of them: ice cream, cakes, or chocolates. From time to time you can also find the pistachio in combination with sausage and cheese.
Walnuts
Walnuts, on the other hand, are among the “real” types of nuts. Their high content of unsaturated fatty acids helps the body to keep arteries free and to get the cardiovascular system going. It is not without reason one of the healthiest and most nutritious foods of all.
Note: Shelled walnuts can also be stored at slightly higher temperatures.
Nutritional values per 100g
- 62g fat
- 14g protein
- 11g carbohydrates
- 662 calories
The very nutty, but still sweet taste of the walnut goes particularly well with simple dishes such as fruit salads, cheese, ice cream, or baked goods.
Even if not every nut means a nut, we all have a clear idea: the nut is healthy! It is a quick and handy snack to get lots of important nutrients in between meals, even if there are some calorie bombs among the nut types.