Nuts Just Nuts

The Cashew: A History


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The cashew has a long and interesting history. Here in America it was used as a source of food by Native Americans before the Europeans ever visited the continent. Over centuries the cashew has spread throughout the world and now is enjoyed in many ways by many cultures.

Researchers believe that cashews originated in North Eastern Brazil. In 1558, a French naturalist visiting the region published the first written illustration of the plant. The plant bears a goose egg type fruit with chestnut looking nut hanging at the bottom of each fruit. Inside that nut there is a kernel and that kernel is the cashew.

It is generally believed that Spanish explorers spread the cashew into Panama and Central America. From there the Portuguese spread the plant to East Africa and East India. As the plant grew and thrived it was spread throughout India and into the Philippines. The seeds were not only carried by explorers but as the plant thrived it was also carried by bats and birds throughout the world.

About 60% of cashews  are  used as a snacks, as an ingredient in baking, candy and many different recipes.  You can find them as nuts as a nutritious snacks, as an ingredient in cookies and crackers and chocolate covered as a delicious candy.  Cashews are one of the most favorite nuts treats any time of the year.  The fruit called the cashew apple is also used as a to make alcoholic beverages and jams, jellies and fruit paste. 

Although the cashew originated in Brazil it has grown to be one of the most popular nuts in the world.  Currently, India is the number one producer in the world followed by countries in Africa.

Cashews are a great treat no matter what the season.  Enjoy them, whole, in pieces, salted, roasted and chocolate covered.  Give them as a gift or enjoy them with your friends and family while watching your favorite TV program.  Cashews are a good choice no matter what the reason or the season.

Related Reading:

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The Cashew: A History was published on November 27th, 2010, with the tags , , , under the Cashews category. There are currently Comments Off on this article so far.

Jordan Almonds: The Nutrition of Almonds With A Candy Coating


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Jordan Almonds are everyone all time favorite nut covered in a sugared candy coating.  They taste so good with a real almond covered in a thin candy coating to mix just the right blend of flavors.  Jordan almonds are festive almonds that you can get in just about any color for any occasion.  They are often used as party favors, or in a nut sampler, as everyone seems to love the combination.

Almonds are the perfect nut for nutrition as they contain protein, fiber, potassium, calcium, phosphorus and iron.  They are a nutrition packed nut.  They are also the leading source of monounsaturated fat which is the good fat that everyone needs.  Doctors recommend a small portion of almonds should be included in everyones daily diet.

Jordan almonds make every almond a treat.  They can make any event no matter how small seem special.   Pick a color themes and place small bowls of nuts, including Jordan almonds, around the room and you have a feeling that this is special.  People just nibble, snack and enjoy during the entire event.  In fact, people usually end up scouring the room to see if there are any partially filled bowls left so they can enjoy a few more. 

You often see Jordan almonds at wedding in white or in the colors that the bride has chosen for her complimentary colors.  Or, of course you see them at baby showers in all shades of pink and blue.  And don’t forget the holiday season when you can find them in red and green.  Set a few around during your holiday gathering and it just adds the perfect finishing touch.

Almonds are so good and so good for you it is hard to find another nut that equals their benefit and flavor.  This year as you plan your festivities think about adding some Jordan almonds to the mix and you too, will see just how good they are!

Related Reading:

Almond Blossom Journal (Notebook, Diary) (Journals)Almond Blossom Journal (Notebook, Diary) (Journals)
Bitter Almonds: Recollections and Recipes from a Sicilian GirlhoodBitter Almonds: Recollections and Recipes from a Sicilian Girlhood
Rock and Roll Will Save Your Life: A Book by and for the Fanatics Among UsRock and Roll Will Save Your Life: A Book by and for the Fanatics Among Us
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Gluten-Free Cupcakes: 50 Irresistible Recipes Made with Almond and Coconut FlourGluten-Free Cupcakes: 50 Irresistible Recipes Made with Almond and Coconut Flour

Jordan Almonds: The Nutrition of Almonds With A Candy Coating was published on November 21st, 2010, with the tags , , , , , under the Almonds category. There are currently Comments Off on this article so far.

Almonds


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Almonds are one most popular and most beneficial nuts to be found. The almond is the “fruit” of a variety of the rose tree. Almonds are in the closely related family of peaches, plums and apricots. The peach like almond fruit consists of the edible seed or pit, the shell and the outer hull. The almond pit, or kernel is the edible portion and it is what makes the tree of commercial value.

The almond tree normally grows to a height of 20 to 30 feet. The wood of the almond tree is harder than that of its cousin the peach and it also has a longer life span. The leaves of the almond tree lance shaped with finely toothed edges and grow on spreading branches with dark grey bark.

Almonds are categorized into two groups, sweet almonds and bitter almonds.  The sweet almond is the nut we all are so fond of whereas the bitter almond is oils which is used in flavorings and in cosmetics. 

The first plantings of the edible almond in America were made by the Spanish missions near San Diego and Santa Barbara in the late 18th century.   The damp coastal conditions were unfavorable and the planting would not take hold.  Almonds plants were also made in New England and the Atlantic States and they too would not grow.  They eventually were planted in Northern California where there were no spring frosts or damp coastal fogs and the plants thrived in that area of the country.    Today, 99% of the almonds grown in the states come from this region of California.  Almond trees begin to bear fruit at the age of 3 to 4 years and reach heavy commercial production around  the age  of 7. 

Almonds are harvested mechanically by machines that shake the fruit from the trees with the nuts falling to the ground.  A sweeper machine then comes along and picks up the nuts and transported to a huller machine which removes the outside husk.  The almonds are then dried and delivered to a packaging company to be shelled, processed and packaged. 

Processed almonds are sold by variety, size, and grades.  There are several large production companies within the United States and one of these is certainly the processor you find in your local grocery store. Almonds varieties include whole natural, whole blanched, sliced natural, chopped natural  and blanched slivered.  Today there are also many flavored varieties available with added roasting, toasting and spices.  There is a almond for every taste preference and they are served plain and as an ingredient in many a recipe.  Almonds taste great and are naturally nutritious.  Why not enjoy some of these delicious fruits today!

Related Reading:

Bitter Almonds: Recollections and Recipes from a Sicilian GirlhoodBitter Almonds: Recollections and Recipes from a Sicilian Girlhood
Rock and Roll Will Save Your Life: A Book by and for the Fanatics Among UsRock and Roll Will Save Your Life: A Book by and for the Fanatics Among Us
Almond Blossom Journal (Notebook, Diary) (Journals)Almond Blossom Journal (Notebook, Diary) (Journals)
The Gluten-Free Almond Flour CookbookThe Gluten-Free Almond Flour Cookbook
Gluten-Free Cupcakes: 50 Irresistible Recipes Made with Almond and Coconut FlourGluten-Free Cupcakes: 50 Irresistible Recipes Made with Almond and Coconut Flour

Almonds was published on October 30th, 2010, with the tags , , , , , under the Almonds category. There are currently no comments on this article so far.

Delicious Nut and Fruit Relishes


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Cherry Mango Cherries Raisins Relish

This is a  easy great relish made with a variety of fruits. Enjoy it when fresh cherries are in season and when you a craving something sweet that is delicious and nutritious.

Ingredients:

  • 1 ripe mango, diced
  • 1 sweet apple, dice
  • 1 cup pitted cherries, cut in half
  • 1/2 cup golden raisins
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans
  • 1 TBSP raspberry vinegar

Directions:

Combine all ingredients in a serving bowl , chill and serve (See how easy!)

Easy Apple Relish

This easy recipe includes a variety of apples, dates, apricots, and nuts for a compliment to any savory meal.

Ingredients:

  • 1 large crisp sweet red apple, unpeeled
  • 1 large green apple, unpeeled
  • 2/3 cup sweet concord grape juice
  • 1/3 cup chopped dates
  • 1/3 cup diced dried peaches
  • 1/3 cup golden raisins
  • 1/4 cup sliced almonds
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped walnuts
  • 1 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp almond extract

Directions:

Core and finely chop apples. Transfer to a covered mixing bowl and add the rest of ingredients mixing well. Chill and serve.

Cinnamon Fruit and Cranberry Relish

This is a favorite at the Thanksgiving table as it combines the flavors of cranberries, a touch of cinnamon and a few other flavorful ingredients.

Ingredients:

  • 1 (12ounce) package of fresh cranberries
  • 3 Crisp apples, unpeeled, cored and quartered
  • 24 pitted dates, cut in half
  • 1 Cup black raisins
  • 1/2 Cup golden raisins
  • 1/2 Cup toasted pecans, coarsely chopped
  • 3 TBSP maple syrup
  • 1/2 TSP ground cinnamon
  • 2 or 3  persimmons, sliced

Directions:

Combine the cranberries, apples, dates, raisins, and pecans in food processor and chop till fine.  Transfer to a large mixing bowl and add the maple syrup and cinnamon, mixing well.  Line the sides of clear serving bowl with persimmon slices.  Transfer the relish to the bowl, and chill for 12 hours before serving.  (Relish will be moist but it will thicken as it chills)

Related Reading:

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Delicious Nut and Fruit Relishes was published on April 23rd, 2010, with the tags , , , , , under the Recipes category. There are currently no comments on this article so far.

Exotic Nuts: Oyster Nuts

There a number of varieties of nuts in the world that are not usually seen in America. One of those, oyster nuts, comes from East Africa. The oyster nut is actually a member of gourd family. It is a fast growing climbing vine that can grow sixty to seventy feet tall and individual vines may grown to over 100 feet in length and clings to the trees and plants that surround it.

The plant is sensitive to cold and frost but in the right conditions can live fifteen to twenty years. The plant is propagated by seed and takes eighteen months for the plant to flower. There are both male and female plants and until they flower it is impossible to tell which is which.

The gourd takes four to five months to mature and at maturity look like large footballs with deep ridges. They grow to one to one and half feet in length, eight to twelve inches in diameter and may weigh up to thirty pounds. When the gourd ripens they burst open releasing 100 to 140 pale yellow seeds that are contained in the gourds golden yellow pulp. These seeds are the nuts. They are covered by a strong, bitter tasting husk. The nuts are large, flat, and circular shaped about 1 and one half inches in length by one half inch thick.

The name, oyster nut, come from the appearance of the nut, and are opened the same way oysters are shucked. The nut is cut around the edge and they pried open to extract the kernels.

Oyster nuts can be eaten either raw or roasted. Their flavor is similar to a Brazil Nut. The kernels are the edible portion of the nut and the outer shell must be removed in order to obtain the kernels. The outer shell should not be consumed as it is extremely bitter and unpleasant.

Oyster nuts are high in fat, about 62% and in protein, about 27%.

In East Africa the nuts are used to make sweets, cakes, and soups. The oyster nut is sometimes made into a paste and mixed with fish and cooked in a banana leaf. Also in East Africa the oyster nut is used for its medicinal properties as it encourages milk production in nursing mothers.

Oils are also extracted from the nuts which are used for cooking, cosmetics and soap making. After extracting the oil from the kernels the residue is then used for animal feed.

The oyster nut is well know in East Africa but its use in America is extremely rare. As the oyster nut becomes more well known and cultivated its use in America may include candy production and as a component of mixed nuts.

Nuts are versatile and delicious. The oyster nut is just one of the exotic varieties that someday may grow to be extremely popular throughout the world.

Related Reading:

Sea Beans and Nickar Nuts: A Handbook of Exotic Seeds and Fruits Stranded on Beaches in North-western Europe (BSBI Handbooks for Field Identification)
In a nutshell: exotic hazelnuts combine indulgence with good health.: An article from: Food Processing
How to Seduce a Straight GuyHow to Seduce a Straight Guy
Tropical Desserts: Recipes for Exotic Fruits, Nuts, and SpicesTropical Desserts: Recipes for Exotic Fruits, Nuts, and Spices
Vacherin of exotic fruit and coconut sorbet.(Recipe): An article from: Art Culinaire

Exotic Nuts: Oyster Nuts was published on February 13th, 2010, with the tags , , , , , , under the Exotic Nuts category. There are currently no comments on this article so far.