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A Nut is a single-seed dry fruit covered by a dry shell. The edible part is inside the shell.

Almonds, Brazil Nuts, Butternuts, Hickory Nuts and Walnuts all grow inside a fruit, like the stone inside a cherry or a peach. They're actually a seed covered by a wet fruit covering, and that's why they're not true Nuts (they're actually what botanists call "drupes".)

Other things that we regard as Nuts, such as Cashews, Coconuts, Peanuts and Pine Nuts, aren't actually Nuts, either.

True Nuts are Nuts such as Acorns, Beechnuts, Chestnuts and Hazelnuts.

Cooking Tips
Generally Nuts can be eaten raw, but are often toasted to enhance their flavour. Sometimes toasting Nuts is referred to as "roasting" them.

To toast Nuts, place them in a frying pan such as a cast-iron or a non-stick one, with nothing else in the pan (meaning no oil or butter), and heat them for a few minutes over a low heat, stirring them occasionally. Or, bake on an ungreased cookie sheet at 350 F (175 C) for 10 minutes (shake a few times during that).

When chopping Nuts in blender or a food processor, if sugar is appropriate for what you are making, you can add a teaspoon or tablespoon of sugar to help prevent them sticking together. Flour will also do the trick.

To crush Nuts manually, put them between two pieces of waxed paper or in a plastic bag and roll with a rolling pin.

When cracking Nuts in their shells, be careful of flying pieces, especially with regard to your eyes.


Nutrition
High in fat, but the fat is good fat: apart from coconuts, the fat in Nuts is largely unsaturated.

Equivalents
As a general rule, 4 oz shelled Nuts = 115g = 1 cup, chopped
5 oz peanuts or mixed nuts = 140g = 1 cup
3 3/4 oz pecans, halves = 105g = 1 cup
4 1/2 oz pecans or walnuts, chopped = 130g = 1 cup
4 1/2 oz walnuts, chopped = 130g = 1 cup
1 pound walnuts, in shell = 450g = 1 1/2 cups shelled

Storage
Nuts in their shell have a longer storage life. Shelled Nuts should be stored in the fridge or freezer, as they can go rancid faster.


Literature & Lore
I have a venturous fairy that shall seek the squirrel's hoard, and fetch thee new nuts." -- Titania. A Midsummer Night's Dream. Act IV, Scene 1. Shakespeare.

Language Notes
Shelled Nuts are sometimes referred to as "Nut meats".

Also called:

Other entries for:

Nuts
Acorns, Almonds, Amalou, Brazil Nuts, Cashew Nuts, Chestnuts, Coconuts, Hazelnuts, Macadamia Nuts, Peanuts, Pecans, Pine Nuts, Pistachios, Tigernuts, Walnuts

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