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Types of Nuts: Real, Fake And Surprising Nuts

Walnuts, hazelnuts, peanuts, almonds, cashews, macadamia …: the list of nut types is long. However, not all are botanically real nuts, while some fruits unexpectedly turn out to be nuts. Discover with us the diverse world of nuts!

From local to exotic: types of nuts

Did you know that the peanut is not a nut at all? According to the botanical definition, it is a legume. In fact, externally it resembles a pod and is reminiscent of peas and beans. The cashew is not a nut either, but a seed. And to add to the confusion, some foods count as nuts even though we would never count them. The best example is the affirmative answer to the question “Is the strawberry a nut or a berry?”. For the sake of simplicity, these distinctions do not play a role in common usage. For us, strawberries are fruit and peanuts are nuts. In any case, it is more exciting how both local nut varieties and exotic nuts can enrich our diet – and how they taste.

Snack, baking ingredient, topping: versatile nut enjoyment

The peanut is at the top of the list of the most popular nuts in Germany. It is often eaten as a salty snack. Almonds are also very popular: as a snack, in muesli, and as a baking ingredient. Hazelnuts, cashews, walnuts, and pistachios also enrich the menu. Recipes such as our red cabbage salad with pomegranate seeds and walnuts are an example of versatile use in the kitchen. Pecans, Brazil nuts, and macadamia nuts are more exotic types of nuts with hard shells, but these crunchy delicacies are also worth trying. The nutrients in nuts are impressive. The high content of unsaturated fatty acids, fiber, vitamins, and minerals makes them a valuable addition to the diet. The emphasis is on supplementation because all types of nuts are high in calories. Consumed in moderation, nuts are healthy.

Harvest local nuts yourself

If you want to do without imported goods that have traveled far, you can fall back on local nut varieties in autumn. Walnuts and hazelnuts can also be harvested in the wild, but you have to be quick here: squirrels and jays are hard-working collectors. However, you cannot eat the delicious crispy fruit straight away: they are only ready to eat after a dry period of two to three weeks. How to dry and store nuts from the garden? The expert answers this question. Undamaged nuts that have been stored properly will keep until Christmas and are ideal for use in Advent baking.

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Written by John Myers

Professional Chef with 25 years of industry experience at the highest levels. Restaurant owner. Beverage Director with experience creating world-class nationally recognized cocktail programs. Food writer with a distinctive Chef-driven voice and point of view.

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